In each issue of Radiation Protection Today our specialist spotlight section will focus on a specific area of radiation protection . In this issue we bring information pertinent to the safe use of lasers , a form of nonionising radiation .
New Amendment to British Standard on Lasers In March 2021 the British Standards Institution published an amendment to the standard on Safety of laser products , Equipment classification and requirements BS EN 60825-1:2014 + A11:2021 . This incorporates the amendments made to the European version , EN 60825-1:2014 + A11 . The European and British standards are not identical to the International Electrotechnical Commission ( IEC ) version , hence the need for an amendment which largely relates to the interpretation sheets . There are other additions and changes . be in the lowest laser class possible . This is to ensure the manufacturer sorts out the safety issues rather than the purchaser .
These amendments expand on the information contained in IEC Interpretation Sheets IEC 60825-1:2014 / ISH1:2017 and IEC 60825-1:2014 / ISH2:2017 and contain some additional text about how these changes relate to the EU Low Voltage Directive ( LVD ). This A11 amendment includes the full text originally intended for Interpretation Sheet 1 ( ISH 1 ).
Non Ionising radiation : radiation in the part of the electromagnetic spectrum where there is insufficient energy to cause ionisation . Used for example in : lasers , ultra violet therapy , Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Future Specialist Spotlight Articles We welcome contributions from sectors such as safety cases , shielding or radiochemistry for example . If you would like to contribute by sharing your work , your career profile or recent updates in these or a similar field please email the Editorial Team at RPToday @ srp-uk . org .
This 2021 amendment deals with specific laser exposure conditions associated with multiple pulses and extended sources . It also gives updated guidance on lasers used as replacements for conventional light sources .
There is a new Clause 9.5 covering consumer laser products . The notes to AEL tables have been amended to provide more advice on how to deal with the wavelength range 1250 nm to 1400 nm . A significant change is that there is now a specific requirement that all laser products shall be Class 1 unless there are reasons why this is not feasible , for example due to the intended purpose . Even if the product cannot be made Class 1 , it shall
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