U.S. STATE AND LOCAL LASER LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Some U.S. states and localities may require registration or regulation of laser devices, show equipment and/or laser operators.
Below is a selected list of such states and localities. The list is not comprehensive, and of course, laws can change.
To find out more, check Rockwell Laser Industries’ list of state laser safety contacts.
Below is a selected list of such states and localities. The list is not comprehensive, and of course, laws can change.
- If you will be doing a laser show in the U.S., do not fully rely on this list. You should independently research what state, county and city laws and regulations, if any, might apply in addition to federal requirements.
- If you are hiring a professional laser show company, such as an ILDA Member, they should be aware of any and all requirements and should take care of the paperwork and details for you.
To find out more, check Rockwell Laser Industries’ list of state laser safety contacts.
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Arizona
- The following information was provided by Brian Gonzalez in April 2021.
Start with the "Inspection Guidance" - https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/radiation-regulatory/index.php#inspection-guidance
On this page is the AZ Laser Light Show Survey, which covers exactly what an inspector is looking for: https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/notes/laser-light-show-insp-notes-aug-2019.pdf
Second, is this "Safety/Compliance Binders", which from the aforementioned page takes you over to the repository of all AZ forms. The intent is lifted directly from the previous website:
These templates are modality specific and are designed to organize the required compliance documents in a fashion which will both ease the inspection process and allow for a heightened level of radiation safety. The templates are intended to be printed out single-sided and utilized as cover sheets for section dividers, with detail on contents, and produces a binder with all documents a State inspector will need to see during an audit. [NOTE THE FOLLOWING:] The use of these templates is not required but rather serve as model avenues to achieving compliance.
https://azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/forms/laser-light-show-demonistartion.pdf
All of the Code references are located in the following governing document, R9-7-1441. Laser Light Shows and Demonstrations on page 230 of the AZ Administrative Code
https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/rules/rules-aac-9-7.pdf
For Arizona, there are three "essential" documents:
BRC-NIR : APPLICATION FOR REGISTERING NONIONIZING RADIATION DEVICES
This form now needs to be completed EVERY year, and submitted as part of the renewal process.
https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/forms/nonionizing-facility-registration.pdf
BRC-NIMI : REGISTRATION FOR ONE (1) NONIONIZING RADIATION MACHINE
This form needs to be completed to add/remove non-ionizing equipment from a new/existing registration.
It states very clearly: If you are adding/removing unit(s) to/from your existing registration, the submission of this form alone is sufficient and no payment is required.
https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/forms/nonionizing-machine-info.pdf
BRC-LSO ACK : LASER SAFETY OFFICER (LSO) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This form now needs to be completed EVERY year, and submitted as part of the renewal process. It is also critical to note that you need to download this pdf, ADD proof of training as additional pages to this pdf, and then digitally sign the complete merged package in order to meet the submission requirement.
https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/forms/nonionizing-lso-statement.pdf
Finally you can pay the published fee, which is located in the AZ Non-Ionizing Fee Schedule here: It is currently $500 annually "Site Fee" for an LL Registration
https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/forms/nonionizing-fee-schedule.pdf
If you have interested in seeing how the fee schedule has changed, here it is in the AZ Administrative Register: It was previously $408 annually for a LL Registration
https://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/register/2020/47/contents.pdf
Whenever shows are performed, the Registrant needs to file a show notification form at least three days in advance:
BRC-LL SHOW NOTICE FORM
https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/radiation-regulatory/forms/laser-light-show-notice-form.pdf
As of April 2021, the primary state contact at the department is Katherine Coon <katherine.coon@azdhs.gov> (602) 469-2059, the current Nonionizing Program Manager, Bureau of Radiation Control Arizona Department of Health Services.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Brian Gonzalez posed some questions to Ms. Coon. Below are her answers in purple.
(1) With AZ BRC changes, does a Site Fee for a Laser Light Show Registration still refer to the "Facility" (Registered Company / Mobile Operator) or does the site fee literally mean that any facility that a Mobile operator wishes to operate would need to be separately registered? Can you clarify?
1) The fee for a laser light show registration still refers to the registered company performing light shows at any location in Arizona. We do not require a separate registration per show. The registration renewal is valid for the company performing any show in Arizona that year, given show notice is provided.
(2) The Compliance Binder includes two highlighted sections, first for Laser Projector (LP) and second for Laser Light Show (LL) with separate Registration Categories and different published fees that I feel create confusion. As far as I am aware, adding/removing laser projection hardware to an existing LL registration with BRC-NIMI would have me select both checkboxes Laser Light Show AND Laser Projector and does not have an accompanying fee. Can you clarify how this works with these new forms?
2) We do not require laser light show registration holders to submit a NIMI everytime a unit is added or removed, rather keep a current list of inventory available on site (preferably in the compliance binder). The NIMI forms are only required upon initial registration (a list would also be accepted at that time). The registration certificate indicates that a list of inventory is required to be maintained.
R9-7-1302 (F) States "The Department shall not combine Category F registrations with any other registration categories that have a difference in fee per unit." so my understanding is that since we register as category F5, we do not have applicable fees that scale with the number for laser fixtures in a performance such as in F2, F3, F4. Or are multiple registrations needed now for both the show itself and the laser projection equipment used?
The binder was created for both laser light show registrants (LL) as well as laser projector registrants (LP) which is why both are highlighted. While a laser projector registrant (for example a cinema using a laser projector) is charged by the number of units they have, a laser light show registrant is not. As a laser light show registrant, you can have unlimited numbers of units at the same annual fee.
3) You are currently only a category F5. Registrants should apply based on what fee category is applicable to their facility. You do not need multiple registrations for the equipment vs the show itself.
LASER LIGHT SHOW VS. LASER PROJECTOR REGISTRATION
A Laser Light Show (LL) registrant is different from a Laser Projector (LP) registrant, which is more aligned to facilities using laser-illuminated video-type projectors, but it uses the same "Compliance Binder" for "Laser Light Show and Demonstration Safety". Text from Arizona documents is in purple.
LL Registrant
REGISTRATION DEFINITION:
A laser light show registration authorizes the operation of a laser device subject to R9-7-1441
This type of Registration is issued to individuals who use Class 3b and/or Class 4 lasers for laser light show demonstrations.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION:
Lasers for laser light show demonstrations are used for production effects, and either display a bright beam through the air or display a graphic on a surface. The beams of laser light are commonly used to create structures such as fans, cones, and shafts of light. Fog is pumped into the air in order to make the beams more visible. These lasers incorporate a wide range of colors, each with a varying power level.
The power level of a laser is measured in watts. The amount of power required to produce a visible beam in a small venue can range from 500 milliwatts to 1 watt, whereas the amount of power required to produce a visible beam in a large arena can range from 10 to 80 watts. Operators of laser light show demonstrations are subject to regulation of the power, direction, path, and overall setup of the laser systems. All demonstrations must receive an appropriate FDA (Food and Drug Administration) variance to operate these high –powered lasers prior to the show. Outdoor demonstrations must additionally receive an appropriate FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) variance to operate these high-powered lasers prior to the show.
LP Registrant
REGISTRATION DEFINITION:
A Class A, B, or C laser registration authorizes the operation of laser devices subject to R9-7-1433
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION:
Laser projectors are a sub-discipline of industrial lasers, and are used in laser-based image and video projectors. Facilities such as theatres and presentation venues are exploring this technology as an alternative to lamp-based projectors due to their advertisement of offering improved brightness, color, and contrast image qualities.
Facilities who operate laser projectors install their unit(s) in locations that are inaccessible to any unqualified service technician to avoid the potential of exposure to the laser. The lasers are also oriented in their operation so that it is not possible to pass through the active laser beam, meaning there is no threat to any member of the public who enters into one of these facilities. -
California
Statewide
As of mid-2017, ILDA is not aware of any California state laws regulating lasers. However, if doing a show in California you should double-check this.San Diego
The local fire department charges a $182 per event permit fee to do laser shows anywhere within the San Diego city limits. They also charge $90 per hour if they deem it necessary to be on standby during the event; there is a 2 hour minimum for this. (Information from Paula Steger, Artistic Laser Productions, October 2010)-
Florida - statewide
- Lasers must be registered. There is no (known) fee for this.
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Florida - Orange County (Orlando) Convention Center
- The following is from the Event Planning Guide for the Orange County Convention Center, page 105 (2019 edition)
Special Effects – Lasers
The use of lasers for lighting and theatrical effects is permitted on OCCC premises, with prior approval from the Fire Marshal, provided Lessee or exhibitor adheres to the following conditions:- Lasers must comply with Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64E-4 Control of Nonionizing Radiation Hazards, NFPA 115 – Standard for Laser Fire Protection, and Florida Department of Health, State Bureau of Radiation regulations.
- A Laser Permit from Orange County Fire Rescue Department is required. In order to apply for this permit, the requestor must provide information about the proposed laser light show that includes classification of the lasers; sketches indicating the location of the lasers, operators, performers, viewers, beam paths, viewing screens, walls, mirror balls and other reflective or diffuse surfaces which may be struck by any and all laser beams, including scanning beam patterns, scanning velocity and frequency in occupied areas.
- For open air shows where a laser beam is projected into the sky, requestor must submit basic beam information of intended laser use and a copy of the notification provided to the Federal Aviation Administration.
- All lasers must be registered with the Florida Department of Health, State Bureau of Radiation. A separate registration is required for each location of intended use. Out-of-state lasers brought into the state for temporary use require notification to the State Bureau of Radiation.
- The Laser Safety Officer must establish and supervise a program of laser radiation safety for compliance with all applicable rules.
- Laser system users and staff must be trained on fire safety features prior to the lasers first use and at least annually thereafter.
- Staff members must be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers.
- All training must be documented and available for review.
- A fire watch will be required during Show Hours.
Here are the Fire Watch costs (page 97):
The minimum Fire Watch is four (4) hours and the cost is $200.00, (at $50.00 per hour). A Fire Watch schedule can be expanded for additional coverage, per $50.00 for each additional hour or fraction thereof.
All Fire Watch schedules are based on hour increments, to include a 1/2 hour prior to the start of event activity and a 1/2 hour after the conclusion of event activity.- 4 hours $200
- 5 hours $250
- 6 hours $300
- 7 hours $350
- 8 hours $400
- 9 hours $450
- 10 hours $500
- 11 hours $550
- 12 hours $600
- 13 hours $650
- Rates are subject to change without notice
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Georgia
- Lasers must be registered. There is no (known) fee for this.
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Illinois
- Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must be registered. The fee is $50 per year, per facility. (If a company has multiple lasers at a single facility, the fee is $50. But if a company has lasers, say, in Chicago, Springfield and Peoria, each facility would register and each would pay $50.)
Additional requirements are in the Illinois Part 315 Standards for Protection Against Laser Radiation.
Traveling laser shows coming into the state are required to register their Class 3B and 4 lasers, and are also required to give written notice at least 10 working days before the laser is to be used in the state. For details see section 315.80 of the Part 315 regulations.
A webpage with Illinois state links is here. (Information from Dani Sawtell, Pyrotecnico, August 2017 and from a conversation with Illinois regulator Don Agnew, August 2017.) -
Massachusetts
- Lasers must be registered. There is no (known) fee for this.
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Maine
- Lasers must be registered. There is no (known) fee for this.
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Nevada
- As of mid-2017, we are not aware of any laser-specific regulations statewide in Nevada, nor in Clark County (Las Vegas). This is mentioned because the LDI trade show usually takes place in Las Vegas each year.
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New York State
Statewide
Operator: New York State equires registration of the laser operator. The New York State Department of Labor runs the program. Some information is in the New York State Instructions for Completing the Laser Operator Application. There is additional information on the Internet about the laser operator's license.
Often, out-of-state laser show companies will hire a person with a valid New York State mobile laser operator's license to supervise/babysit their in-state shows.
As of mid-2020, a person who wants a Class A (low-intensity mobile laser) or Class B (any intensity mobile laser) New York state mobile laser operator's license must meet these three qualifications:- Have 1 year experience OR completed an acceptable laser training course, and
- Be at least 18 years of age, and
- Pass a written exam to become certified OR have an approved 4-year degree that includes laser use and safety training
Equipment: $600 per laser for a 3-year registration. The state must be notified of shows. (Information from Jon Robertson, DayStar Lasers International, and Jim Martin, Peachtree Laser, October 2010)Albany County, New York
Albany County NY requires an additional application for the use of mobile lasers on top of the stage registration, licensed LSO, etc. No cost is associated with it; just the paperwork. Two documents can be downloaded below. (Information from Dani Sawtell, Pyrotecnico, August 2017.)-
Ohio
- The local agencies to be notified are usually fire departments; for example, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Oregon
- The local agencies to be notified are usually fire departments; for example, in Portland, Oregon.
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Texas
- Yearly registration, including payment of registration fees, is required for Class 3B and 4 lasers.
The Texas Department of State Health Services laser radiation control program home page is here. Registration requirements are here. A Form RC 42-L, "Laser Safety Officer (LSO) Information" is listed but none of the links to that form appear to be working as of October 2019.
DSHS requires notification of laser light shows at least seven days in advance, using the information on the form here.
Update, February 2022
Texas requires registration of the business that will be performing the laser light show. This is a requirement of Texas Form RC 226-01, the Business Information Form of the Texas Department of State Health Services Radiation Machine Source Unit. The cost is $750.
For companies outside of Texas, this requires first filing Texas Form 301, Application for Registration of a Foreign For-Profit Corporation. Note that "foreign" refers to any entity outside of the state of Texas. Once this has been acknowledged by the state, then the company would have to file Texas Form 303, Application for Registration of a Foreign Professional Corporation. More on Form 303 is here. One or both of these forms requires an out-of-state company to use a registered agent in Texas. Here is a sample registered agent that charges $35. ILDA has not worked with them and makes no representation as to their quality or competency.
Companies outside of Texas may prefer to partner with a Texas-based laser show company that can do all or some of the show, so it qualifies as an in-state show not requiring the reporting hassles and fees. -
Local fire departments and fire marshals
- The National Fire Protection Association has a standard for laser fire protection, NFPA 115, which is often used by local fire authorities to inspect/regulate laser shows. A show can be shut down if the "authority having jurisdiction" such as the fire marshal, deems the show to be unsafe. Copies of NFPA 115 are available from NFPA for a fee.
Fire watch when using theatrical smoke or fog
Often laser shows put fog or haze into the air, in order to make beams more visible. For indoor shows, this can cause smoke detectors and even sprinklers to go off.
To help prevent this, a producer can arrange for a fire watch. Smoke detectors are turned off during the show and additional staff, usually from a local fire department, watches for any fire problems.
This requires coordination with the facility and with the local fire department. More information is on the page Haze and fog for laser shows. For a sample fire watch cost, see the item above for "Florida - Orange County (Orlando) Convention Center."
To help prevent this, a producer can arrange for a fire watch. Smoke detectors are turned off during the show and additional staff, usually from a local fire department, watches for any fire problems.
This requires coordination with the facility and with the local fire department. More information is on the page Haze and fog for laser shows. For a sample fire watch cost, see the item above for "Florida - Orange County (Orlando) Convention Center."
For additional information
See the Links and Resources page. The pages that are listed will have additional links, such as to specific FDA documents and forms.
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