IEC 60825-1 applies to the safety of laser products emitting laser radiation in the wavelength range of 180 nm to 1 mm. Although lasers exist which emit at wavelengths less than 180 nm (within the vacuum ultraviolet), these are not included in the scope of IEC 60825-1 since the laser beam normally must be enclosed in an evacuated enclosure, and, therefore, the potential optical radiation hazards are inherently minimal.
A laser product may consist of a single laser with or without a separate power supply or may incorporate one or more lasers in a complex optical, electrical, or mechanical system. Typically, laser products are used for the demonstration of physical and optical phenomena, materials processing, data reading and storage, transmission and display of information, etc. Such systems have found use in industry, business, entertainment, research, education, medicine and consumer products.
Laser products that are sold to other manufacturers for use as components of any system for subsequent sale are not subject to IEC 60825-1, since the final product will itself be subject to this standard. Laser products that are sold by or for manufacturers of end products for use as repair parts for the end products are also not subject to IEC 60825-1. However, if the laser system within the laser product is operable when removed from the end product, the requirements of IEC 60825-1 apply to the removable laser system.
In addition to the adverse effects potentially resulting from exposure to laser radiation, some laser equipment may also have other associated hazards, such as electricity, chemicals and high or low temperatures. Laser radiation may cause temporary visual impairment, such as dazzle and glare. Such effects depend on the task and ambient lighting level and are beyond the scope of Part 1. The classification and other requirements of this standard are intended to address only the laser radiation hazards to the eyes and skin. Other hazards are not included within its scope.
IEC 60825-1 introduces a system of classification of lasers and laser products emitting radiation in the wavelength range 180 nm to 1 mm according to their degree of optical radiation hazard to aid hazard evaluation and to aid the determination of user control measures.
It also establishes requirements for the manufacturer to supply information so that proper precautions can be adopted. This ensures, through labels and instructions, adequate warning to individuals of hazards associated with accessible radiation from laser products and reduces the possibility of injury by minimizing unnecessary accessible radiation.
The text of IEC 60825-1:2014 has been approved in Europe as EN 60825-1:2014 without any changes. This consolidated version consists of the main text and the amendment, which can also be found separately from the standards history.
