Scope and object

This technical report provides guidance on best practice in the safe use of laser products that conform to IEC 60825-1. The terms "laser product" and "laser equipment" as used in this document also refer to any device, assembly or system, which is capable of emitting optical radiation produced by a process of stimulated emission. However, unlike IEC 60825-1, this document does not cover light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Class 1 laser products normally pose no hazard and Class 2 laser products present only a minimal hazard. With these products, it is normally sufficient to follow the warnings on the product labels and the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. Further protective measures as described in this document should not be necessary.

This document emphasizes evaluation of the risk from higher power lasers, but the users of the lower power lasers may benefit from the information contained. See Table 1 for an overview.

This technical report can be applied to the use of any product that incorporates a laser, whether or not it is sold or offered for sale. Therefore, it applies to specially constructed lasers (including experimental and prototype systems).

This technical report is intended to help laser users and their employers to understand the general principles of safety management, to identify the hazards that may be present, to assess the risks of harm that may arise, and to set up and maintain appropriate control measures.

Laser control measures vary widely. They depend on the type of laser equipment in use, the task or process being performed, the environment in which the equipment is used and the personnel who may be at risk of harm. Specific requirements for certain laser applications is given in other documents in the IEC 60825 series.

The terms "reasonably foreseeable" and "reasonably foreseeably" are used in this document in relation to certain specific events, situations or conditions. It is the responsibility of the person using this document to determine what is "reasonably foreseeable" and what might occur "reasonably foreseeably", and to be able to defend, on the basis of risk-assessment criteria, any such judgements that are made.

Reference is made in this document to laser "users". This should be taken to include persons having responsibility for safety in addition to those who actually work with or operate laser equipment.