This includes long-term intrabeam viewing, even when exposure occurs while using optical viewing instruments such as eye loupes or binoculars. Title 21 "Radiological Health" of the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) stipulates regulations on radiation (including lasers) as well as general rules.ĭownload Laser Product Classifications IEC 60825-1īased on the laser safety requirements specified in IEC60825-1 and FDA (CDRH) 21CFR Part 1040.10, KEYENCE laser markers are classified as Class 4/ Class IV Laser Products. For production, sale and distribution of laser products in the U.S., manufacturers must comply with the requirements of these regulations. The CDRH (Center for Device and Radiological Health), a division under the FDA, conducts administrative operations of radiological regulations. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is a branch of the HHS (Department of Health and Human Services). IEC established an international standard "IEC 60825-1" for laser products, which serves as a common safety standard for IEC member countries. ![]() These include laser surgery, military, industrial, scientific research and laser cutting equipment.The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international organization that prepares and publishes standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. These can cause severe injury to both skin and eyes from direct exposure or reflections, electrocution from high voltages, chemical exposure from laser dyes or gases, and can represent a fire hazard. Examples of Class 3B products include medical and physiotherapy equipment.Ĭlass 4 - Lasers with an output exceeding 500mW. Other risks include injuries to skin, or as a source of ignition of flammable materials. The level of eye damage is dependent on the level of radiant power, and the exposure time. Eye injuries can be caused by direct viewing of the beam, or from reflections. Examples of products include laser pointers and some measuring/alignment instruments.Ĭlass 3B - Laser powered products with output power of up to 500mW. Again, the whole laser beam would not enter the eye, although magnifying optical instruments greatly increase the risk of damage to the eye.Ĭlass 3R - Higher powered devices, with a maximum power of 5MW, which can cause eye injuries by direct viewing, although this is unlikely to be extensive for short term exposure. Products in this category include some commercial laser or barcode scanners.Ĭlass 2M - These are products with a large diameter beam in the wavelength pf between 400 to 700nm. Eye damage is usually prevented by blinking or averting the eye from exposure. Safe for use by the naked eye, but can be harmful if viewed using a magnifying optical instrument.Ĭlass 2 - These have a limited output power of 1mW (milliwatt), with the beam wavelength of between 400 and 700nm. ![]() Any potential eye damage is prevented by engineering means.Ĭlass 1M - These products produce laser beams with large diameters, where only a small part of the whole beam can enter the eye. Other protective personal equipment (PPE) is specified in BS EN 207 and BS EN 208 for eye protection.īritish Standards has the following classifications covering the varying degrees of potential health risks to equipment users.Ĭlass1 - The lowest level of risk, where the output laser power is below the level to cause eye damage, and this includes direct intrabeam viewing or if using optical viewing.Ĭlass 1C - These are for products for use directly with skin contact or other tissues (with the exception of eye contact), eg. Our range of warning signs comply with ISO EN 7010 and Signs and signals regulations 1996. Labels outline the features and risks of each class, particularly viewing directly or using magnifying optics (microscopes or telescopes), and skin damage by direct or scattered radiation. Laser equipment fits into the following categories class 1 class 1M class 2 class 2M class 3R class 3B and class 4. Our Laser warning signs are produced to BS EN 60825 (based on IEC 60825), which supports laser safety, setting out laser classification, and provision of guidance to users. Using the correct laser warning signs will remind workers and visitors on the correct procedures to take and PPE to wear if in an area where they are at risk of exposure. Laser warning signs are used to alert employees and visitors if there is a risk of being exposed to a naked laser beam.Įxposure to certain lasers can cause eye or optic damage, and skin burns.
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