How are Lasers classified?
Lasers are classified according to the output power of a laser beam in a particular setup according to CDRH 21 CFR 1040.10 and/or IEC 60825-1: 2nd edition, 2007-03 standards. The protocol for classification described herein is a general outline of the procedures. In actual practice, the settings can differ depending on the laser. Call us for details.
For CDRH classification, the laser beam (either as a raw or modified beam) is aimed into a 7 mm aperture located 20 cm away from the laser (for IEC, the distance between the laser source and the aperture varies between 7 cm and 10 cm, depending on certain variables). The detector placed just behind the aperture records the highest output power level of the laser beam. In the case of a conventional gaussian line generator, it is generally the hot central spot that causes its safety rating to go up one class (e.g., from class II to IIIa). Our patented optics producing a line of uniform intensity along its length does not have a hot spot at the center. Therefore, a Lasiris non-gaussian laser can offer a safer level of exposure, in addition to more light and uniform illumination transmitted to your part.
Procedure for classification
Here is the setup for both CDRH and IEC standards (consult with IEC for specifications).
classification of class IIIb lasers by IEC 60825-1 section 12.5.2 is as follows,
class IIIb lasers are potentially hazardous if a direct beam or specular reflection is viewed by the unprotected eye (intrabeam viewing). The following precautions should be taken to avoid direct beam viewing and to control specular reflections.
a. The laser should only be operated in a controlled area
b. Care should be exercised to prevent unintentional specular
reflections
c. The laser beam should be terminated where possible at
the end of its useful path by a material that is diffuse and such
a color and reflectivity as to make beam positioning possible while
still minimizing the reflection hazards
NOTE: Conditions for safe viewing of diffuse reflections for class
IIIb visible lasers are: minimum viewing distance of 13 cm between
screen and cornea, and a maximum viewing time of 10 sec. Other viewing
conditions require a comparison of the diffuse reflection exposure
with the MPE (maximum permissible exposure limit).
d. Eye protection is required if there is any possibility
of viewing either the direct or specularly reflected beam, or of
viewing a diffuse reflection not complying with the conditions of
item c)
e. The entrances to areas should be posted with a standard
laser warning sign.
For more details on laser safety, contact us for our laser safety booklet.
...back to Laser Safety
...CDRH Laser Classification
...IEC Laser Classification