August 29, 2020
Overview
Whether it’s a medical device, an industrial-grade tool or a piece of laboratory equipment, many products in today’s technologically driven world employ the use of a laser or LED.
Laser and LED safety is a critical concern for customers. We offer a variety of laser and LED Verification services, enabling you to obtain a UL Verified Mark for your products. Our Mark provides third-party Verification that your lasers and LEDs have safe optical radiation levels, helping to alleviate any safety concerns that users and retailers may have.
In addition, we have access to state-of-the-art laboratories around the world that can evaluate products to confirm and document that they are in compliance with the appropriate radiation safety standards. Our team of experts can perform a wide variety of tests, ranging from simple optical output measurement results to full International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Certification Body (CB) test reports with CB certificates.
Benefits
While lasers provide many technological benefits, they also create additional safety concerns. Laser radiation can be hazardous to the eyes or skin under certain circumstances. The primary purpose of two laser product safety standards — FDA/CDRH 21CFR within the U.S. and IEC 60825-1 outside the U.S. — is to ensure a product has appropriate safeguards to protect those who use, maintain and service that product.
Our full-service laser laboratories can perform testing to help ensure that your products meet the appropriate laser safety requirements and that you are given the necessary reports to meet U.S. FDA/CDRH and/or IEC laser safety standards.
LED radiation and LED safety – Understanding diverging requirements
As the use of LEDs and their capabilities grow, so do the photobiological safety concerns associated with them. A good example of this would be the blue light hazard. Both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-based RP-27 and IEC 62471 series of standards address the photobiological hazards from LEDs. We perform the testing and evaluation needed to determine a product’s Risk Group hazard classification as defined in the applicable standards.
Our optical radiation laboratories evaluate all types of LED-based products, from LEDs used in bar code imaging to the ones used in security cameras. Our reports help manufacturers confirm and document compliance with LED radiation safety requirements.
UV radiation – Revealing answers to invisible hazards
Broadband ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be emitted by LEDs or lamps. This UV radiation is primarily invisible but can present a serious photobiological safety concern, damaging exposed skin and eyes.
There are several safety standards that address potential UV radiation hazards, including the ANSI-based RP-27 series, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit values for occupational and environmental health requirements, and the IEC 62471 series of standards.
Our optical radiation laboratories can evaluate UV radiation to any of these standards. Results are provided in the appropriate reporting format, helping increase turnaround times and access to global markets.
Lidar radiation – Growing demand for use in new technologies
Lidar technology is in the process of revolutionizing many industries, from autonomous vehicles to robotics to surveying. This technology will assist with automating many common tasks such as driving, monitoring inventory, and mapping. While Lidar isn’t a new development, it’s currently generating more interest as a result of these applications.
Lidar devices check the environment for objects by sending pulses of laser radiation through the air and sensing the time that transpires before the radiation is reflected back. However, the laser radiation emitted can raise safety concerns about its effects on the human body – particularly the eyes. To further complicate matters, the radiation is typically invisible, and, to perform the intended function, is emitted into free space where bystanders such as pedestrians and others could be exposed without knowing.
UL can assist Lidar manufacturers to evaluate and test these products per the applicable laser radiation safety standards – FDA/CDRH 21CFR Part 1040 in the US and IEC 60825-1 outside the US. These evaluations can help stakeholders and customers trust the safety of these devices. Whether manufacturers want to ask our laser experts questions, have UL determine the potential hazard by testing and confirming the laser classification, or want UL to fully certify the product to these standards, we are here to help.
Our global network of laser laboratories and engineers will work to help you meet your goals. We can help you every step of the way to speed your product to market and navigate complex global standards and regulations.
Why UL
We can serve as your one-stop shop by offering a comprehensive range of testing services for lasers and LEDs. Our team of experts will help you achieve the compliance credentials you need to access almost any market you choose. Plus, we can cut your costs and accelerate your time to market by bundling our testing and certification services. That’s how we’ll help you achieve what’s possible and that’s what makes us different.