In modern medical and industrial environments, laser technology is increasingly used. However, the potential harm of laser radiation to the human body cannot be ignored. Therefore, choosing the right laser protective glasses is essential to protect the eye health of medical staff and industrial workers. We will explore how to select laser protective glasses for medical and industrial use based on the EN207 standard and the ANSI Z136.1-7 standard.
Understanding the EN207 standard and the ANSI Z136.1-7 standard
EN207 standard
EN207 is a mandatory safety regulation of the European Union and applies to all laser protective glasses sold in the European Union. The standard divides laser radiation into multiple protection levels according to the wavelength, power and pulse width of the laser, and specifies the performance requirements of laser goggles at different levels. Laser protective glasses that pass the EN207 test will be awarded specific marks, which detail the protection level of the glasses at different wavelengths and the maximum power or energy density allowed. In addition, the EN207 standard also takes into account the changes in laser pulse width. First, lasers are divided into four categories according to different pulse widths. For different laser modes, lenses and frames must reach a nominal protection level of more than 10 seconds or 100 pulses.
ANSI Z136.1-7 standard
ANSI Z136.1-7 is a national standard in the United States, which is widely used in the use of laser equipment in the fields of medical, industrial, scientific research, education, etc. This standard divides lasers into different categories according to the power and degree of hazard of the laser equipment, from low-hazard Class 1 lasers to high-power Class 4 lasers, and each category has corresponding safety operation requirements. Although the ANSI Z136.1-7 standard itself does not directly involve specific test methods for laser protective glasses, it provides comprehensive guidelines for the safe use of laser equipment, including selection criteria for personal protective equipment.
Selecting medical laser protective glasses
Medical laser protective glasses are mainly used in the operation of medical cosmetic equipment, and it is necessary to consider the protection of patients' eyes and the protection of medical staff's eyes. When choosing medical laser protective glasses, it is necessary to clarify the laser wavelength, power and optical density that need to be protected, and choose the appropriate product according to the specific laser parameters.
1. Clarify the needs
First, it is necessary to clarify the laser wavelength, power and optical density that need to be protected. For example, common laser wavelengths are 1064nm, 10600nm, 355nm, 808nm, etc. Different wavelength combinations require different laser protective glasses. For the combination of 1064nm and 10600nm, you can choose SG023 model laser protective glasses; for the combination of 355nm and 808nm, you can choose SG014model laser protective glasses; for the combination of 1064nm and 355nm, you can choose SG014 model laser protective glasses.
2. Choose the appropriate optical density (OD value)
Optical density (OD value) is an indicator of the protective ability of protective glasses against lasers of a specific wavelength. The higher the value, the stronger the protective ability. For most applications, it is recommended to choose products with an OD value greater than or equal to 7+.
3. Consider visible light transmittance
Medical laser protective glasses need to ensure a certain visible light transmittance while blocking lasers, so that medical staff can clearly observe the patient's condition and the surgical process. Most users want to obtain a higher visible light transmittance, such as VLT50% or above. However, in some cases where visible light is too strong, models with a transmittance of <50% or even <30% may be required to achieve the best protection effect.
4. Certification and compliance
Ensure that the selected medical laser protective glasses meet the EN207 standard and relevant medical device certification requirements. You can confirm its compliance by checking the product's certification mark, consulting the supplier, or checking the product manual.
Selecting industrial laser protective glasses
Industrial laser protective glasses are more commonly used in industrial production environments and may face laser radiation with higher power and more complex wavelength combinations. When choosing industrial laser protective glasses, in addition to considering the above factors, you also need to consider factors such as the working environment, comfort, and durability.
1. Consider the working environment
The industrial environment may be more complex and changeable, so when choosing laser protective glasses, you need to fully consider the characteristics of the working environment and the parameters of the laser. For example, if there are higher-power lasers in the working environment, you may need to choose laser protective glasses with a higher level of protection.
2. Choose the right wavelength and optical density
Similar to medical laser protective glasses, industrial laser protective glasses also need to choose the right products according to the required laser wavelength and optical density. However, since the laser parameters in the industrial environment may be more complex and changeable, you need to be more cautious and meticulous when choosing.
3. Consider comfort and durability
Industrial laser protective glasses usually need to be worn for a long time, so choosing products that are lightweight, fit the facial contour and made of durable materials can improve wearing comfort and service life. At the same time, choosing earmuffs or headbands with good breathability and non-slip design can also help improve the overall wearing experience.
4. Certification and compliance
Like medical laser protective glasses, industrial laser protective glasses also need to meet the requirements of EN207 standards and relevant safety standards. When choosing, you need to ensure that the product has passed rigorous testing and certification, and check the certification information on its packaging or instructions.
Suggestions
Selecting medical and industrial laser protective glasses based on EN207 and ANSI Z136.1-7 standards is a complex process that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. When choosing, it is recommended that users choose appropriate products based on their own needs and usage environment, and ensure that they meet relevant safety standards and certification requirements. At the same time, laser protective glasses need to be regularly inspected and maintained during use to ensure their stable and reliable performance. Finally, it should be reminded that the harm of laser radiation to the human body cannot be ignored, so when using any laser, you should be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment and strictly abide by safety operating procedures.