Safety information
The IDT Lasers are strictly compliant with the international laser safety regulations. To further guarantee your safety, however, here are a few basic guidelines to follow while using this type of laser product.
1. 1. ID & T Safety Regulations
ID & T Gmbh manufactures its products according to international standards and declares the classes of its lasers after the EN 60825-1, IEC 825-1 and 21 CFR 1040 laser safety classification system (see below for full details).
The laser class, power output, wavelength and the basic safety regulations are indicated on a warning label (Fig. 1.1), which can be found on the external housing or on the dimming cap of every laser. These labels also comply with the aforementioned EN 60825-1, IEC 825-1 and 21 CFR 1040 laser safety regulations. They are positioned so as to be clearly visible during operation, maintenance and service, and can be read without the necessity for human exposure to laser radiation in excess of the AEL for Class 1. It is strictly prohibited to damage, conceal or remove these warning labels.
Fig. 1.1
We strongly recommend caution at all times when operating the lasers. The following safety measures must be strictly observed to ensure the safety of the people operating the laser and those in their proximity. Please read them carefully.
1) 1) Operators must NOT stare directly into the source of the laser beam*, nor should the beam be intentionally or unintentionally directed at other people’s eyes. Should this occur, the body’s automatic reaction to bright light (the blink reflex) usually ensures against any damage to the eye. It is important however, in the event of accidentally staring directly into the light source, that the operator does not suppress the blink reflex by forcibly keeping the eyes open. A momentary irradiation (under 0.25 seconds) is not considered to be dangerous. A longer irradiation (over 0.25 seconds) may provoke visual disturbance or eye injury.
*The source can be identified as the small opening on the front of the external aluminum housing, through which the laser diode projects the beam (Fig. 1.2).
Fig. 1.2
2) Operators must strictly avoid observing the projected laser beam through optical instruments, such as binoculars, telescopes, microscopes or magnifying glasses. Such practice, especially if carried out repeatedly or for lengthy periods of time, may increase the danger to the eyes and, ultimately, lead to eye injury. The use of prescription glasses, however, does not present any danger.
3) 3) Mirrors should not be held in the beam path of the laser, as this may generate hazardous reflexions.
Class 1 to 2M lasers, if used in accordance with the safety measures stated above, present no risk of injury to any part of the human body, including eyes and skin.
The use of filters, eyewear, or other protective gear whilst operating class 1-2M lasers is not compulsory, according to the EN 60825-1, IEC 825-1 and 21 CFR 1040 laser safety regulations.
2. Overview of the LED and Laser Classification System in EN 60825-1 and IEC 60825-1
Class 1 | Safe. |
Class 1M | Safe provided optical instruments are not used. |
Class 2 | Visible lasers. Safe for accidental exposure (< 0.25 s). |
Class 2M | Visible lasers. Safe for accidental exposure (< 0.25 s) providing optical instruments are not used. |
Class 3R | Low risk, but potentially hazardous. |
Class 3B | Hazardous. Viewing of diffuse reflection is safe. |
Class 4 | Hazardous. Viewing of diffuse reflection is also hazardous. Fire risk. |
Class 1: This class is eye-safe under all operating conditions.
Class 1M: This class is safe for viewing directly with the naked eye, but may be hazardous to view with the aid of optical instruments. In general, the use of magnifying glasses increases the hazard from a widely-diverging beam (eg LEDs and bare laser diodes), and binoculars or telescopes increase the hazard from a wide, collimated beam (such as those used in open-beam telecommunications systems).
Radiation in classes 1 and 1M can be visible, invisible or both.
Class 2: These are visible lasers. This class is safe for accidental viewing under all operating conditions. However, it may not be safe for a person who deliberately stares into the laser beam for longer than 0.25 s, by overcoming their natural aversion response to bright light (the blink reflex).
Class 2M: These are visible lasers. This class is safe for accidental viewing with the naked eye, as long as the natural aversion response is not overcome as with Class 2, but may be hazardous (even for accidental viewing) when viewed with the aid of optical instruments, as with class 1M. Radiation in classes 2 and 2M is visible, but can also contain an invisible element, subject to certain conditions.
Class 3R: Radiation in this class is considered low risk, but potentially hazardous. The class limit for 3R is 5x the applicable class limit for Class 1 (for invisible radiation) or class 2 (for visible radiation).
Class 3B: Radiation in this class is very likely to be dangerous. For a continuous wave laser the maximum output into the eye must not exceed 500mW. The radiation can be a hazard to the eye or skin. However, viewing of the diffuse reflection is safe.
Class 4: This is the highest class of laser radiation. Radiation in this class is very dangerous, and viewing of the diffuse reflection may be dangerous. Class 4 laser beams are capable of setting fire to materials onto which they are projected.