Class 1 System: Considered to be not capable of producing exposure conditions during normal operation
the beam is viewed with an optical instrument such as a diverging beam or collimated beam.
Exempt from any control measures other than to prevent potentially hazardous aided viewing;
and is exempt from other forms of surveillance.
Class 2 System: Emits in the visible portion of the spectrum and eye protection is normally afforded by the aversion
response for unaided viewing. Class 2 lasers are potentially hazardous if viewed with certain optical aids.
Class 3 System: May be hazardous under direct reflection viewing conditions, but is normally not a diffuse
reflection or fire hazard.
There are two subclasses:
- Class 3R: Potentially hazardous under some direct reflection viewing conditions if the eye is appropriately
focused and stable, but that probability of an actual injury is small. The laser will not post either fire hazards
or diffuse-reflection hazard.
- Class 3B: May be hazardous under direct reflection viewing conditions, but is normally not a diffuse
reflection or fire hazards.
Class 4 System: Is a hazard to the eye or skin from the direct beam, and may pose a diffuse reflection or fire
hazard. Also, produces laser generated air contaminants (LGAC) and hazardous plasma radiation.
Commercially produced lasers are classified according to the Federal Standard and identified by labels affixed
to the laser. Removal of protective housing or system modification can increase a laser’s classification.
Contact the Laser Safety Officer for review prior to servicing or system modifications.