Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".

Note: Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

• 1910 Subpart I, Personal protective equipment [related topic page]
• 1910.134, Respiratory protection. Paragraph (a)(1) states the primary objective is to control occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful substances. This is to be accomplished through accepted engineering controls if feasible, or through the use of appropriate respirators. Note: Surgical masks used to prevent contamination of the patient are not certified for respiratory protection of medical employees. [related topic page]
• 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances [related topic page]
• 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens. Paragraph (d)(3)(i) states the employer must supply appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks and eye protection. This standard would apply if such items become contaminated with viable bloodborne pathogens from laser smoke or plume. [related topic page]

• Hazards of Smoke Generated from Surgical Procedures. (1996, April 18). Addresses questions about laser smoke hazards and OSHA requirements.
• Search all available standard interpretations.

Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection.

• Z136.1-2007, Safe Use of Lasers, (2007).
• Z136.3-2005, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities, (2005).