BSI British Standards - BS EN 60825-1:2007 Safety of laser products

Its primary aim is to provide a classification scheme to assist users of laser products make informed decisions regarding the risks associated with intentional and unintended exposure to laser radiation.

In addition to covering requirements for products, the use of correct marking of laser products and systems is also covered, from a protection of persons in a workplace perspective, by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act . Therefore, businesses using lasers or laser products in the workplace must comply with BS EN 60825-1 in order to show due diligence.

BS EN 60825-1:2007 contents include:
* Normative references
* Terms and definitions
* Engineering specifications
* Labelling
* Other informational requirements
* Additional requirements for specific laser products
* Classification
* Determination of the accessible emission level

How has it changed?

* The structure of the standard has been completely revised to make the document easier to use by manufacturers and users
* An updated system of classification is defined regarding accessible laser radiation and the associated provision of information requirements
* The Accessible Emission Limit tables have been simplified for small-source lasers
* The methodology for determining the appropriate value has been clarified
* Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been deleted from the scope of this document except for communication applications. LEDs are covered by IEC 62471 and a guide to this is in preparation.

BS EN 60825-1:2007 is listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities as a Harmonised Standard that provides a presumption of conformity with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD - 2006/95/EC) and the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (RTTED - 1999/5/EC). Any product containing a laser system should therefore comply with BS EN 60825-1 before applying the CE marking.