Laser safety is a key technology in modern manufacturing processes. Lasers are arguably one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. Once described as “a solution in search of a problem,” lasers are used in every aspect of life today, from signalling, telecommunications, and range finding to surveying, surgery, and testing. They come in picowatt to megawatt sizes and in infrared (IR), visible, and ultraviolet (UV) varieties.
Hand-held laser welding is a growing application for high-powered lasers. It offers excellent weld quality and the ability to use laser welding in difficult-to-reach locations. However, it comes with significant risk, as the welder works with an open Class 4 beam. A sound laser safety program, training, and a laser-controlled area are required.
Whether you integrate lasers into equipment, build lasers from scratch, conduct research, or use them in your daily operations, you need to be aware of the hazards specific to your laser and application.
How can we help you?
Laser Hazard Analysis
We offer industrial laser safety analysis following ANSI Z136 or IEC 60825–1. You will receive a laser hazard analysis report that provides key information, such as the Nominal Optical Hazard Distance (NOHD), the Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ), and the Optical Density (OD) for protective eyewear.
Laser Guarding
If you need assistance with safeguarding, we can recommend the protective measures needed to reduce the risk to you and your employees.
US FDA Center for Diseases and Radiological Health (CDRH) submissions
If you sell a laser product in the USA, we can help you prepare your initial report to the FDA’s Center for Diseases and Radiological Health (CDRH). Every laser sold in the USA, from the smallest laser pointer to the multi-megawatt lasers used in fusion reactor research, is required to have a CDRH filing.
Services we do not offer
We do not offer:
- laser or optical design services.
- optical testing services to characterize a laser.
- medical laser safety evaluations.
- laser safety products like eyewear, temporary barriers, etc. We can recommend sources for these products.
- laser safety training.
Laser safety training is available from:
https://canadianlasersafety.com
https://www.lia.org/training/non-medical/online-courses/laser-safety-officer-training-online
https://www.kenteklaserstore.com/laser-safety-training-courses
https://www.rli.com/training/online.aspx
We have no financial relationship with any of these vendors.
Laser Safety Regulations
Several key regulations and standards are in force today. In Canada, each province’s general machinery safety regulations require employers to protect workers from hazards created by their machines and processes. Federal regulations place similar requirements on federally regulated businesses. Lasers are regulated under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act and the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Lasers must be reported to the Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau.
In the USA, the FDA regulates lasers through the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Lasers and laser products sold in the USA must be registered with the CDRH and meet the OSHA safety regulations. There are different requirements for medical and non-medical lasers.
In the EU, lasers are covered under several directives, including the Machinery Directive, 2006/42/EC, and the new EU Machinery Regulation, 2023/1230, the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
Laser Safety Standards
Canada
In Canada, the standard for laser safety is CAN/CSA E60825‑1. For healthcare applications, the standard is CSA Z386, where the laser is used in a healthcare facility (e.g., a surgical laser), and CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 60601–2‑22–01 for medical equipment applications. There are additional standards that pertain to the electrical shock and fire safety of these products as well.
USA
In the USA, the general standard for laser safety is ANSI Z136.1. However, ANSI Z136 has several additional parts that may apply to your application.
In addition, NFPA 115 deals with fire protection in lasers and laser installations. The CDRH also publishes a laser standard, 21 CFR 1040.10. Lasers intended for sale in the USA must meet the CDRH requirements and be registered with the CDRH before they can be sold.
For industrial applications, ANSI B11.21 applies to machinery incorporating lasers.
EU
The primary laser safety standard in the EU is EN IEC 60825–1, which is technically identical to IEC 60825–1. However, quite a few Type‑C standards apply to particular industrial laser applications. To apply the correct laser safety requirements, consult the type‑C standard for your equipment.