Laser Product Hazard Classification
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2020-09-10
To help users easily identify the hazard levels of laser products, we can classify them based on the mechanisms by which lasers harm human tissues, as well as the severity of the resulting injuries.
The wavelength and power of laser products determine how they can harm different human tissues. While the wavelength dictates how various body tissues absorb the laser and influences the underlying mechanisms of potential damage, the power and energy level directly determine the severity of the laser-related risks. International Electrotechnical Commission standards classify laser products into several broad safety categories based on their wavelength, maximum output laser power, or energy—essentially serving as a "business card" for each laser product, clearly indicating its associated hazard level and highlighting critical precautions users should take.
Therefore, both ordinary consumers and professional operators must correctly understand the laser class, recognize the corresponding level of potential harm, and follow the necessary safety precautions—only then can we prevent many laser-related accidents from occurring.
The hazard classification of laser products serves as a guideline that describes the degree to which laser systems can harm the human body. The classification ranges from Class I lasers (no risk of injury) to Class IV lasers, such as a 2000-watt carbon dioxide laser (capable of cutting thick steel plates). Manufacturers are required to affix warning labels indicating the specific laser hazard class on Class II, Class III, and Class IV laser products.
Class I Laser Products
There is no biological hazard.
Any potentially viewable beam is shielded, and the laser system is interlocked to prevent laser exposure. (Large laser printers like the DEC LPS-40 are powered by a 10-milliwatt (Class IIIb) helium-neon laser; however, although the actual laser inside is classified as Class IIIb, the printer itself is designed with interlocks to ensure no direct contact with the exposed laser beam. As a result, the device poses no biological hazard. This principle also applies to CD players and small laser printers, all of which are classified as Class I devices.)
Class II Laser Products
Output power: 1 milliwatt. It won’t burn the skin and won’t cause a fire.
Since eye reflexes can help prevent certain types of eye damage, these lasers are not classified as hazardous optical devices. (For example, when the eyes encounter bright light, they automatically blink or turn the head to avoid the intense glare—this is known as a reflex action or reflex time. During this brief period, these laser products pose no risk of harm to the eyes. Still, it’s unlikely anyone would want to stare at them for an extended duration.) Yellow warning labels should be affixed to these laser devices.
Class IIIa laser product
Output power ranges from 1 milliwatt to 5 milliwatts. It will not burn the skin.
Under certain conditions, these lasers can cause blindness and other eye injuries. Such laser products should have:
(1) Laser emission indicator light, showing whether the laser is operating;
(2) The power key switch should be used to prevent unauthorized access by others;
(3) It should have a hazard label and a label indicating xx output.
Class IIIb laser product
Output power ranges from 5 milliwatts to 500 milliwatts. At higher power levels, these laser products can burn the skin.
These laser products are clearly defined as hazardous to the eyes, particularly at higher power levels, where they can cause eye damage. Such laser products must include:
(1) Key switch to prevent unauthorized use by others;
(2) Laser emission indicator light, showing whether the laser is operating;
(3) After powering on, there is a 3- to 5-second delay to allow the operator to move out of the beam path.
(4) Equipped with an emergency stop switch to instantly shut off the laser beam;
(5) The laser must be clearly labeled with a red hazard tag and an "xx (aperture)" label. (A 250mW laser shining on a sheet of red paper ignited it in less than 2 seconds!)
Class IV Laser Products
The output power exceeds 500 milliwatts. These laser products are definitely capable of causing eye damage. Just as lasers can burn skin and ignite clothing, they can also set other materials on fire. Such laser systems must include:
(1) Key switch to prevent unauthorized use by others;
(2) Safety device to prevent the system's protective cover from being opened during operation;
(3) Laser emission indicator light, showing whether the laser is operating;
(4) Equipped with an emergency stop switch to instantly shut off the laser beam;
(5) Affix the red hazard label and the "xx (aperture)" label securely to the laser. Lasers, including their reflected beams, are just as dangerous as the main beam. For instance, a 1000-watt CO2 laser can easily pierce through a steel plate—just imagine what it could do to your eyes!
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