Laser safety is a critical consideration in many industries, as lasers can cause serious damage to the eyes and skin if not used properly. To ensure the safety of workers and the public, several standards have been developed to regulate the use of lasers and personal protective equipment (PPE) for laser applications. Three such standards are EN207, EN12254, and EN60825. While all three address laser safety, they differ in their scope, purpose, and requirements.
EN207 is a European standard that specifies requirements for personal protective aids for the eye and face, including laser protective goggles and glasses. This standard outlines the minimum optical density required for laser protection, as well as the maximum allowable transmittance for various wavelengths of light. It also provides guidance on labeling and marking requirements for PPE, including information on the level of protection provided, the manufacturer's name and address, and any applicable certifications or approvals. EN207 is primarily focused on ensuring the safety of individuals working with lasers by providing them with appropriate eye and face protection.
EN12254, on the other hand, is a European standard that deals specifically with personal protective aids for welding and related processes, including laser welding. This standard covers a wider range of PPE than EN207, including gloves, aprons, screens, and shields, in addition to eye and face protection. It sets out requirements for materials, design, and performance, as well as testing and certification procedures. EN12254 is aimed at ensuring the safety of workers engaged in welding and related activities, including those using laser technology for welding applications.
EN60825 is an international standard that covers the safety of laser products, including both laser systems and individual components. This standard provides guidance on classification, control measures, and labeling requirements for lasers based on their potential hazards. It also includes requirements for the design and construction of laser systems to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. EN60825 is intended to ensure the safe design, operation, and use of laser products by manufacturers, users, and consumers.
| Standard | Scope | Focus | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN207 | Personal protective aids for the eye and face specifically for laser applications | Ensures adequate protection for the eyes and face against laser radiation by specifying optical density requirements and markings for laser protective goggles and glasses | Sets minimum optical density and maximum transmittance levels, labeling requirements including level of protection and manufacturer details |
| EN12254 | Personal protective aids for welding and related processes, including laser welding | Covers a range of PPE including gloves, aprons, screens, and shields in addition to eye and face protection for welding activities involving laser technology | Specifies requirements for materials, design, performance, and testing of PPE |
| EN60825 | Safety of laser products, including both laser systems and individual components | Provides guidance on laser classification, control measures, and labeling based on potential hazards; includes design and construction requirements for laser systems | Defines classes of lasers, outlines necessary safety measures, and specifies labeling and instruction requirements for users |
In comparison:
EN207 is specialized for eye and face protection specifically against laser radiation. It ensures that laser protective equipment meets certain optical density standards to safeguard the user's vision.
EN12254 extends beyond just eye protection to include a wider array of PPE for welding operations, which may involve lasers as well as other sources of radiation or heat. Its scope is broader in terms of the types of PPE covered but narrower in terms of the context of use, which is limited to welding and similar processes.
EN60825 takes a comprehensive approach by addressing the entire range of laser products and their components. It deals with how laser products should be classified, labeled, and constructed to mitigate risks associated with their operation.
Each standard plays a crucial role in ensuring safety in different aspects of working with lasers. Adhering to these standards helps to minimize the risk of injury from exposure to laser radiation and ensures that appropriate safety measures are implemented in laser operations.
In summary, while all three standards address laser safety, they differ in their focus and scope. EN207 is specifically concerned with personal protective aids for the eye and face, while EN12254 covers a broader range of PPE for welding and related processes. EN60825, meanwhile, deals with the safety of laser products themselves, including both system design and individual components. By understanding the differences between these standards, workers and employers can ensure they are taking appropriate measures to protect against the hazards associated with laser use.