סיווג רמות בטיחות של לייזרים

Safety class

Simplified description

Class 1

Laser Inherently Safe   

Visible/non visible

Limited to 0.39 mW

The laser radiation is not dangerous. 

Class 1M   

Safe without viewing aids 

300-4000nm

Limited to 0.5 W

The laser radiation is not dangerous, provided that no optical instruments are used.

Class 2 

Low Power 

Visible only

Limited to 1 mW  

Safe to limited exposure time (up to 0.25 s), due to the eye blink reflex. 

Example: some (but not all) laser pointers.

Class 2M   

Safe without viewing aids   

Visible only

Limited up to 0.5 W 

The same as class 2, but with the restriction that no optical instruments may be used. 

Class 3R   

Low/medium power   

Visible / non-visible

Limited to 5 mW 

The laser radiation is dangerous for the eye.  

Class 3B   

Medium / high power 

Visible / non-visible

Limited Up to 0.5 W

The laser radiation is dangerous for the eye. Under special conditions also for the skin. 

Class 4   

High power 

Visible / non-visible

Laser radiation ->0.5 W 

The laser radiation is very dangerous for the eye and for the skin. In addition scattered light from diffuse reflections may be hazardous for the eye.