Laser Product vs. Laser Installation: Safety Classification

A very important aspect of laser risk assessment is the correct interpretation of the actual risk classification. In my training courses and seminars for laser safety officers, I place great emphasis on ensuring that participants understand the difference and are able to apply this knowledge later in their professional work.

In principle, a distinction is made between:

• Laser product
• Laser installation

In practical terms, this means the following: You order a line laser from our shop, mount it on your machine and put the laser into operation. At that moment, you become the manufacturer of a laser installation. This laser installation must then be assessed and assigned to the appropriate laser class. Depending on how the line laser has been installed, the resulting installation may meet the requirements of either Laser Class 2 or Laser Class 1. 

Laser Class 1:  You have installed the line laser in such a way that the operator, user or worker CANNOT look directly into the laser radiation emitted by the laser. The worker only sees the reflected light from the actual laser line. In other words, the projected line is visible, but the worker's eye CANNOT enter the direct emission path of the laser product. 

Laser Class 2: You have installed the line laser, for example, from the side or overhead, so that the user may potentially look into the emitted laser radiation but maintains the minimum safety distance specified in our safety data sheet. In this case, the amount of laser radiation reaching the eye is also below the level considered harmful to the eye. 

Maintaining the Minimum Safety Distance in Complex Line Laser Installations

In many cases, it is not possible to mount a line laser on a machine at a sufficient distance from the operator or to maintain the required safety distance. In such a case, the laser installation "might" not qualify for Laser Class 2. However, we also offer solutions for these situations. Simple spacer constructions can be used to ensure that the prescribed minimum distance is maintained. Together with numerous system integrators, we have already developed and implemented a variety of solutions, including very simple designs. Please contact us if you need assistance. We will be happy to help you.