International Laser Classification

Heat is a by product of the tissue absorbing the laser emission.

International laser classification.

Laser classification lasers are grouped into seven classes depending on the potential for the beam to cause harm. Class 3b lasers do not have a thermal effect. Laser printers and compact disc players. The hazard and hence the classification depends on the wavelength power energy and pulse characteristics.

The class of the laser can be used to help decide what safety control measures are required when using the laser. Not true if the laser is a continuous wave laser at the mid to upper end of the class 3b classification. The international electrotechnical commission iec is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical electronic and related technologies. Flashblindness glare and distraction.

Iec 60825 1 is an international standard for laser products and has become a common safety standard in iec member countries. According to the international electrotechnical commission iec standard laser products are classified as follows. Classification is based on calculations and determined by the. This resulted in the introduction of three new laser classes 1m 2m and 3r and the abolition of class 3a.

The iec document 60825 1 is the primary standard that outlines the safety of laser products. Iec international electrotechnical commission. Laser radiation can cause severe damages to eyes and skin. Below is a brief description of each of the current laser classes.

This shows the distances at which various consumer lasers are eye skin and fire hazards and are visual interference hazards. If the laser has a suitable power density and is held in place for a period of time tissue burns can occur. In 2001 the standard governing the safety of laser products in europe en and internationally iec was substantially revised and the classification system was overhauled. In the united states laser product regulations are summarised by the fda cdrh standard 21 cfr 1040 10.

See also the laser hazard distance chart. The international classification described in consensus standards such as iec 825 later iec 60825 was based on the same concepts but presented with designations slightly different from the us classification. Get a sense of the laser safety requirement for the safe use of lasers in industrial environment by reading the following. Includes international laser class activities with information addresses and links to many other laser sailing sites.

For information about laser classifications in general see this page from rockwell laser industries.