Standard Labels according to European and International Standard EN 60825-1 and IEC 60825-1
WARNING TRIANGLES
These are required on all lasers above Class 1
APERTURE LABELS
These are required on all Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers
CLASSIFICATION LABELS
If your laser product contains a laser which is Class 1 even when all housings have been stripped away then it is exempt from the requirements of EN / IEC 60825-1, including labelling requirements.Otherwise your laser will need a Classification label.
PROTECTIVE HOUSING LABELS
These are necessary for any panels or connections that, if taken out, opened, or moved, could expose people to radiation above Class 1. A protective housing class 3B label is necessary for a panel on a class 1 laser product that, when removed, exposes the user to class 3B laser radiation. This label’s class is based on the class of laser radiation that is accessible after the panel is opened.
INTERLOCKED HOUSING LABELS
These are necessary for any interlocked panel that, if the Interlock® is overridden, opens and exposes the user to radiation above Class 1. Prior to and during Interlock® override, the label needs to be visible and fastened close to the aperture. The laser radiation class accessed after the panel is opened and the Interlock® overridden determines the class of this label (for example, an interlocked panel on a Class 1 laser product that requires an Interlocked Housing Class 4 label when opened and the Interlock® overridden allows access to Class 4 laser radiation).
INVISIBLE / VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE RADIATION WARNINGS
Where the laser radiation is invisible, the ‘invisible radiation’ versions of Classification, Protective Housing and Interlocked Housing labels should be used.Where the laser radiation is both visible and invisible, the ‘visible and invisible’ versions of Classification, Protective Housing and Interlocked Housing labels should be used.
PRODUCT INFORMATION LABELS
These are required for all laser products exceeding Class 1. When used in conjunction with classification labels these need only contain the following:
- Maximum output power or energy
- Pulse duration (if appropriate)
- Wavelength(s)
- Number and publication date of standard to which the product is classified
BLANK LABELS
Alternatively we can supply Blank labels (listed above) for you to write or print on. These are particularly of use when only a small number are required.
Standard Labels for Laser Laboratory / Operating Theatres
Generally people use the following:
WARNING TRIANGLES
Usually the larger ones such as 150 x 150 or 200 x 200 mm (5.90 x 5.90 or 7.87 x 7.87 inches).
CLASSIFICATION LABELS
Use the class appropriate to the highest class of laser which is used in the room
LARGE SHATTERPROOF WARNING NOTICE
Can be fitted to a door using double sided tape, or drilled and screwed or hung up and turned round as required.
Alternatively you can use Laser Controlled Area labels or Illuminated Laser Warning signs which indicate the status of the laser. These are also very often used as administrative control to avoid personnel entering a room while a laser is in operation.
Standard Labels according to 21 CFR 1040.10 (USA/CDRH)
The FDA’s Laser Notice 50 states that the FDA will now accept IEC classification and labelling. Therefore, for the US market, manufacturers can use the same labels as are shown in the section above on European and International Standard Labels. However, for those manufacturers wishing to use the distinctive CDRH labelling, this is outlined as:
Classification, product information and the laser warning symbol labels must be combined into one label.
This means that these labels are all custom made. Contact our sales department for a quotation.
PROTECTIVE HOUSING AND INTERLOCKED HOUSING LABELS
The wording of these is slightly different to the EN / IEC labels, notably in the use of the word ‘Danger’ in place of ‘Caution’.
APERTURE LABELS
Aperture labels must be located at all apertures that emit laser radiation. In some cases, only apertures which exceed Class 1 levels are required to be labelled.
