Many people in the Laser Light Show industry for one reason or another are under the assumption that the New York State regulations as they relate to lasers were originally intended for only industrial lasers.  They say, "oh yeah, that certification is really only good if you want to become a carpenter and learn how to align walls straight."  Or I've even heard, "now you'll be able to certify laser-cutting machines."  This is simply not the case!  Back in 1978, about six years after the original Code Rule 50 was composed, the Department of Labor issued a document about the guidelines of Laser Light Shows for New York State.  So even back then they knew about laser light shows, and Code Rule 50 "lasers" coincides with laser light show regulations greatly.  The following is a copy of the document, "New York State Guidelines for Laser Light Shows" - revised Febuary, 1978:

( 1 )     Each laser facility and mobile laser shall be registered in
            accordance with the provisions of Code Rule 50.
( 2 )     The laser operator shall demonstrate his competency to operate
            laser safely by having taken and passed an acceptable laser
            training course such as given at several universities or
            sponsored by technical organizations or have at least one year
            experience as a laser operator and be certified as a mobile laser
            operator in accordance with provisions of Section 50.9 of Code
            Rule 50.
( 3 )     Before a laser show is permitted to open (either at a permanent
            or temporary site) the show's laser safety officer (LSO) shall
            provide principal Radiophysicist, Radiological Health Unit,
            Division of Safety and Health, with a sketch showing the beam
            path, velocity of scanned beam in occupied areas or where beam
            strikes the wall or other structure. In case of open air shows
             where the laser is projected into the sky the LSO shall provide
             the spot power and energy densities at 0.5 and 1 miles from laser
            and contact Federal Aviation Administration for air space
            approval. Include in report an analysis to show that laser beam
            exposure levels in occupied areas and where beam strikes the wall
            or other structure are as fellows:
                Less than or equal to 1 microwatt per cm2, CW mode and
                Less than or equal to 1 microjoule per cm2, pulse mode,
                in spectral range from 400to 700 nanometers.
( 4 )     The laser shall meet the following specifications:
        ( a ) Total maximum laser power output for all laser lines and
                before optics shall be less than 5 watts.
        ( b ) The spectral laser emission shall be in the range from 400 to
                700 nanometers only.
        ( c ) A conveniently accessible point near the output of the laser
                shall be available to insert a power meter to
                check the laser power level or such power measurement
                capability shall be built into equipment for direct read-out.
( 5 )     The following precautions shall be taken during alignment
            procedures:
         ( a ) Alignment of laser optics:
                ( i ) This will be done only by a qualified individual with
                       beam power turned down as far as practicable,
                ( ii ) The public shall not be present,
                ( iii ) Protective goggles shall be worn where necessary.
          ( b ) Alignment of scanning laser beam patterns:
                ( i ) This will be done by person approved in Item (2),
                ( ii ) The laser shall, be in scanning mode,
                ( iii ) In spectral range from 400 to 700 nanometers the
                        maximum permissible exposure levels of the scanning
                        laser beam shall be as follows:
                            less than or equal to 1 microwatt per cm2, CW mode and
                            less than or equal to 1 microjoule per cm2,
                            pulse mode in all occupied areas and where the beam
                            strikes the wall or other structure.
                 ( iv ) No laser radiation outside spectral range between 400
                          to 700 nanometers shall be emitted.
( 6 )        The laser system shall be rigidly fixed on a secure mounting.
( 7 )         Unless the scanning laser beam has two independent interlocks
                which shall turn the beam off: or deflect beam away from exit
                aperture, in case the beam stops scanning, the laser beam must be
                terminated by the fire retardant material.
( 8 )         On-stage an area on both sides of laser beam path shall be
                 designated a high radiation area and barriers shall limit access
                  to this area while laser is operating.
( 9 )         The laser control console shall be sited in a position such that
                the acting area, beam path and laser display can be viewed by
                operator.
( 10 )       In cases where "mirror balls" are used the maximum permissible
                exposure levels as given in (5) (b) (iii) for the spectral range
                from 400 - 700 nanometers shall be measured or calculated while
                mirror ball is in stationary mode.
( 11 )       No specularly scattering foils or metallic strips shall be
                injected into laser beam during light show.
( 12 )       The laser shall be capped or effectively enclosed while not in
                use.
( 13 )       Before each laser show the output laser beam power shall be
                checked and recorded and all safety interlocks shall be checked.
( 14 )       The laser shall be equipped with a key operated "ON-OFF" switch
                and when the authorized operator leaves the laser area he shall
                turn off the laser and remove key.
( 15 )       All safety interlocks shall be of the type that will not
                automatically restart laser when fault is removed.
( 16 )       All electrical wiring and connections shall meet requirements of
                National Electrical Code and local fire codes.

If you have any questions about these New York laser light show guidelines go to the contact page and let me and LaserJockey Inc. know.