Lasers and laser pointers are divided into categories according to the risks associated with their use. Lasers and laser pointers should be marked with information on which Laser Class they belong to.
The laser classification system indicates a potential risk of adverse health effects, as the higher the classification number, the greater the laser risk.
The risk of harm increases with the power of a laser and is dependent on:
the wavelength,
the time of irradiation,
distance from the laser source,
other characteristics, such as whether the laser is continuous or pulsating and how diffuse the beam is.
However, the potential risk can in fact lead to adverse health effects, so with the help of laser classification, users can choose appropriate control measures to minimise the risk.
The following laser classification system is taken from the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC)ÍST-EN60825-1 and the following discussion is based on that standard.
Considered non-hazardous. May be used in toys. Hazard increases if viewed with optical aids, including magnifiers, binoculars, or telescopes.
Product examples:
laser printers
CD players
DVD players
Considered non-hazardous. Hazard increases if viewed with optical aids, including magnifiers, binoculars, or telescopes.
Product examples:
laser printers
CD players
DVD players
Lasers with power such that the eye's normal defenses can prevent damage if they are pointed at the eye for a short period of time are classified as Category 2 (or 2M). Laser pointers in this category may be placed on the general market.
Maximum power is 1 mW and the light from such lasers is in the visible range (wavelength 400 nm - 700 nm). A person's involuntary reaction is to blink and turn away from a bright light, and these reactions make Class 2 lasers relatively harmless. However, staring into the beam from a Class 2 laser or intentionally looking into the beam repeatedly can be harmful.
Hazard increases when viewed directly for long periods of time. Hazard increases if viewed with optical aids.
Examples of usage include:
bar code scanners
Like Class 2 lasers, lasers in this class have a maximum power of 1 mW and emit visible light (wavelength between 400 and 700 nm). The beam is diffused so that only a portion of it reaches the pupil of the eye. However, such lasers can be harmful if the beam is viewed through a magnifying glass or similar, or for a long period of time.
Hazard increases when viewed directly for long periods of time. Hazard increases if viewed with optical aids.
Examples of usage include:
lasers used for measurement
laser pointers
Depending on power and beam area, can be momentarily hazardous when directly viewed or when staring directly at the beam with an unaided eye. The radiation can exceed MPE safety limits if the beam is looked at directly and can therefore be harmful. Risk of injury increases when viewed with optical aids. Power up to 5 mW (considering wavelengths 400 - 700 nm).
American lasers labelled as IIIa belong to this class.
The import of lasers and laser pointers of class 3R should be notified to Geislavarnir ríkisins.
Lasers and laser pointers of class 3R require a license to use.
Examples of usage include:
laser light show projectors
industrial lasers
research lasers
Immediate skin hazard from direct beam and immediate eye hazard when viewed directly. Power up to 500 mW if not pulsating (considering wavelengths greater than 315 nm). Maximum power is different for other wavelenghts and if the laser is pulsating, see standard ÍST-EN 60825-1 for more information.
Class 3B lasers and laser pointers have sufficient power to cause serious eye damage through direct radiation into the eye (even for a brief moment) and through reflection from shiny surfaces. The higher the power, the greater the risk.
Lasers of class 3B are therefore of danger to the eye, can induce skin damage and there is even a risk of fire when flammable materials are exposed to such lasers
The import of lasers of class 3B should be notified to Geislavarnir ríkisins.
Lasers of class 3B require a license to use, except for medical purposes and cosmetic purposes (such as tattoo removal, hair removal and skin rejuvenation). If the usage is for medical or cosmetic purposes, the use of laser of Class 3B should be notified to Geislavarnir ríkisins.
The medical or cosmetic usage of Class 3B lasers should be under the responsibility of a medical doctor, dentist, chiropractor or physical therapist as appropriate (see regulation no. 171/2021 for further information).
Examples of usage include:
laser light show projectors
industrial lasers
research lasers
Lasers of Class 4 are more powerful than Class 3B lasers and there are no upper limits to the power rating.
Immediate skin hazard and eye hazard from exposure to either the direct or reflected beam; may also present a fire hazard.
Lasers of Class 4 can be very dangerous.
The import of lasers of class 4 should be notified to Geislavarnir ríkisins.
Lasers of class 4 require a license to use, except for medical purposes and cosmetic purposes (such as tattoo removal, hair removal and skin rejuvenation). If the usage is for medical or cosmetic purposes, the use of lasers of Class 4 should be notified to Geislavarnir ríkisins.
The medical use of powerful lasers in the mouth should be under the responsibility of a medical doctor or dentist as appropriate.
The usage of Class 4 lasers, IPL devices and other equivalent devices should be under the responsibility of a medical doctor with the appropriate qualifications, such as a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.
The usage of powerful lasers towards the eye should be under the responsibility of opthalmologist.
Examples of usage include:
laser light show projectors
industrial lasers
research lasers
medical device lasers for eye surgery or skin treatments
The classification system uses the concept of Existing Emission Limits (AEL). The AEL is the maximum value of the laser available radiation that an individual may encounter using a solvent and is dependent on the laser category.
The AEL, however, is based on the maximum permissible irradiation (MPE). MPE is a degree of laser exposure that is considered to be sustained without injury. MPE can therefore be considered a safe maximum exposure level.
MPE values are expressed for both eye and skin as a function of laser wavelength and exposure duration. These MPE values are internationally accepted.
See regulation no. 171/2021 for further information regarding the import and usage of powerful lasers, powerful laser pointers and IPL devices.
