This Standard provides a guide to the safe use of lasers and laser systems in diagnostic and therapeutic medical and dental procedures.The Standard explains the procedural and administrative controls necessary for the safety of patients, health care staff, maintenance personnel, and others who may be in the vicinity of the treatment room and in need of protection against inadvertent exposure. Engineering controls which form part of the laser equipment or the installation are also briefly described to provide an understanding of the general principles of protection. However, detailed specification of laser equipment and installation controls are not included in this Standard, such requirements being separately specified in AS 2211/ NZS 5821, Laser safety.The principles of laser operation and the nature of the associated hazards are briefly described. Examples of specific guidelines for the safe use of lasers in a variety of clinical applications are included in Appendix A.