IEC overview
The International Electrotechnical Commission publishes the 60825 series of standards which relate to laser safety.
IEC 60825-1 contains the labeling requirements
IEC 60825-1 contains the labeling requirements
IEC labels
Under clause 5 of IEC 60825-1, there are five types of labels that must be considered when designing a laser product. These are:
Normally the IEC explanatory label is text only. IEC also allows alternative-symbol labels like the one below.
- Hazard symbol
- Explanatory
- Aperture
- Housing panel — Non-interlocked service access panel
- Housing panel — Interlocked panel with an override
Normally the IEC explanatory label is text only. IEC also allows alternative-symbol labels like the one below.
Incidentally, in the yellow triangle caution logo, the "stem" of the sunburst faces to the right. This symbolizes a bright light source that is emitting a directional beam (going towards the right). This information comes from an expert who helped develop laser safety standards starting in the 1960s and 1970s.
General IEC label requirements
All labels provided under clause 5 of 60825-1:
Note: If the size or design of the product makes labeling impractical, the label should be included with the user information or on the package.
- Must be permanently fixed, legible and visible according to their purpose
- Must be read without the necessity for human exposure to laser energy in excess of the limits associated with Class 1
- Text, borders and symbols shall be black on a yellow background — except for Class 1 certification and identification labels
- The terms “Invisible” or “Visible and Invisible” shall be added before the term “Laser Radiation” when appropriate
- The term “Laser Radiation” may be substituted by the words “Laser Light” when only visible laser light is emitted
- For laser products complying with IEC 60825-1, 2001-08 Edition 1.2, LED radiation must be included. The text “LED” shall be substituted or added to the word “Laser” as appropriate.
Note: If the size or design of the product makes labeling impractical, the label should be included with the user information or on the package.
Class-specific IEC label requirements
Disclaimer
SAFETY NOTICE: This website is intended for the educational, instructional and informational purposes of the user and is not to be considered a substitute for a knowledgeable and trained Laser Safety Officer (LSO) with the duties and responsibilities as defined in the ANSI Z136 standard published by the American National Standard Institute.
While the labels herein may be sufficient for relatively simple and common laser types, for more complex situations, consult an expert in laser regulatory compliance.
While the labels herein may be sufficient for relatively simple and common laser types, for more complex situations, consult an expert in laser regulatory compliance.
