#05 safety
Laser Classification
IEC 60825 classiefies laser products into different
categories depending on light emitted, wavelength and eye
safety. Classes for typical laser diodes are given below.
Class 2, 2M / US Class IIa, II
Caution, normally visible laser light less than 1.0mW.
Considered eye safe, normal exposure to this type of beam
will not cause permanent damage to the retina
Class 3R / US Class IIIa
Danger, visible laser light between 1.0mW and 5.0mW.
Considered eye safe with caution. Focusing of this light into
the eye could cause some damage.
Class 3B / US Class IIIb
Danger, infrared (IR) and high power visible lasers <
500mW. Considered dangerous to the retina if directly
esposed.
Class 4 / US Class IV
Danger, laser output power greater than 500mW. Class 4
lasers are capable of causing injury to both the eye and
skin and will also present a fire hazard if sufficiently high
output powers are used.
You are responsible for the correct classification of your
device. Additionally you have to put all safety labels on it
according to your local regulations. Some examples of
such labels are shown on the right.
Check your local regulations for chosing the right ones.
LASER RADIATION
LASER RADIATION
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO
DIRECT OR SCATTERED
RADIATION
CLASS 4 LASER PRODUCT
Max Power: 1000mW
Wavelength: 400-695nm
Classified according IEC 60825-1
2007
LASER
APERTURE
Safety Glasses
Laser light is very intense. The natural winking reflex is not
able to protect your eye. Always protect your eyes with
appropriate safety glasses when operating a laser.
Appropriate laser safety glasses need to block the laser's
wavelength sufficiently. Sunglasses or just dark glasses
are not able to do that. In addition to safety glasses you
should consider to build a safety housing around your laser
device.
Be Responsible
Always take care about yourself and others. Operate lasers
with maximum attention at any time.
Respect Local Laws and Regulations
Almost every country has its own laws and regulations for
operating a laser. You are fully responsible to respect and
act in compliance with these.
LASER RADIATION
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE
TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION
DIODE LASER
1000mW MAX at 445 nm
CLASS IV LASER PRODUCT
DANGER
