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Laser Hazard Classification

LASER is an acronym which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The laser produces an intense, highly directional beam of light. The human body is vulnerable to the output of certain lasers, and under certain circumstances, exposure can result in damage to the eye and the skin. Research relating to injury thresholds of the eye and skin has been carried out in order to understand the biological hazards of laser radiation. It is now widely accepted that the human eye is almost always more vulnerable to injury than human skin.

In order to regulate laser safety, the Center for Devices & Radiological Health (CDRH) classifies lasers into different categories based on wavelength and output power:
 
Class 1:   A Class 1 laser is considered safe based upon current medical knowledge. This class includes all lasers or laser systems which cannot emit levels of optical radiation above the exposure limits for the eye under any exposure conditions inherent in the design of the laser product. There may be a more hazardous laser embedded in the enclosure of a Class 1 product, but no harmful radiation can escape the enclosure.
Class II:   These lasers cannot cause eye injury under normal circumstances, they can produce injury if viewed directly for extended periods of time. Class 2 lasers only operate in the visible range (400 - 700 nm) and have power output equal or less than 1mW.
Class IIIa:   Class 3a lasers cannot damage the eye within the duration of the blink. However, injury is possible if the beam is viewed through binoculars or similar optical devices, or by staring at the direct beam. Power outputs for Continuous Wave (CW) lasers operating in the visible range are between 1 - 5 mW.
Class IIIb:   Class 3b lasers can produce accidental injuries to the eye from viewing the direct beam or a specularly reflected beam. Class 3b laser power outputs are between 5 - 500 mW for CW lasers.
Class 4:   A Class 4 laser or laser system is any that exceeds the output limits (Accessible Emission Limits, AEL's) of a Class 3 device. As would be expected, these lasers may be either a fire or skin hazard or a diffuse reflection hazard. Very stringent control measures are required for a Class 4 laser or laser system.

 

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