IEC 60825-1 Analysis and Testing Services for Laser Product Safety Standards

IEC 60825-1 is a core safety standard for laser products developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), officially known as "Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements". This standard provides a globally recognized safety regulatory framework for the design, manufacturing, and use of laser equipment. The IEC 60825-1 standard is applicable to laser radiation equipment emitting wavelengths in the range of 180nm to 1mm, with the latest version being IEC 60825-1:2014.

The standard content mainly includes:

Laser Safety Classification System

Laser radiation safety limit

Requirements for protective devices

Warning label specification

User Information Requirements

Regulations on Safety Interlocking Devices

This standard applies to various laser products, including individual lasers, laser systems with power supplies, and laser components in complex optical, electrical, or mechanical systems. Typical application areas include industrial processing, medical equipment, communication systems, scientific research instruments, and consumer electronics products.

IEC 60825-1 classifies laser products into 7 main categories based on laser output power, wavelength, and potential hazard level:

security level

Hazard level

Typical applications

Protection requirements

Class 1

No harm

Laser printer, CD drive

No special protection required

Class 1M

There is a potential danger when using optical instruments for observation

Partial measuring equipment

Avoid direct viewing with optical instruments

Class 2

Low power visible light (400-700nm), protected by blink reflex

Laser pointer, barcode scanner

Avoid prolonged direct eye contact

Class 2M

There is a danger when using optical instruments to observe Class 2 lasers

Partial collimation instrument

Avoid direct viewing with optical instruments

Class 3R

Low risk, but with higher potential hazards than Class 1 and 2

Partial laser demonstration equipment

Need to control the beam path

Class 3B

Direct gaze is dangerous, diffuse reflection is usually safe

Research laser and medical equipment

Protective goggles and safety interlock are required

Class 4

High power, both direct and skin contact are dangerous and may cause a fire

Industrial cutting/welding laser

Strict control and professional protection

The compliance requirements of IEC 60825-1 should also pay attention to the following requirements:

Security protection design:

Interlocking devices and emergency stop buttons (Class 3B and above) must be equipped

Need beam control device to avoid harmful scattering and reflection

Labels and warning signs:

The laser grade, wavelength, and maximum output power must be clearly labeled

Warning signs should conform to the style and size specified in the standard

Technical document requirements:

Detailed product manual

Complete circuit diagram and safety analysis report

Radiation safety assessment data

User Guide:

Provide clear safety operation instructions

Indicate applicable personal protective equipment

Maintenance and repair precautions

Testing and evaluation:

Measure laser radiation power and wavelength (using an optical power meter and spectral analyzer)

Evaluate beam quality (focusing and diverging characteristics)

Measure irradiance and radiance parameters

Check the effectiveness of protective devices