Class 1: |
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Lasers are very low risk and "safe under reasonably foreseeable use", including the use of optical instruments for intrabeam viewing. |
Class 1M: |
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Lasers have wavelengths between 302.5 nm and 4000 nm, and are safe except when used with optical aids (e.g. binoculars). |
Class 2: |
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This class contains the low power sources whose spectrum is fully in the visible range (400 nm – 700 nm), with powers up to 1 mW. These sources are harmless for the eye because of the action reflex (i.e., when the eye is hit with a bright light, the eye lid will automatically blink or the person will turn their head to escape the bright light). This reaction to visible light ensures a sufficient protection in standard conditions of use, even if the user needs optical instruments to look at the beam. |
Class 2M: |
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Lasers have wavelengths between 400 nm and 700 nm, and are potentially hazardous when viewed with an optical instrument. Any emissions outside this wavelength region must be below the Class 1M AEL. |
Class 3R: |
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Lasers between 1 to 5mW of output power, are potentially hazardous but the risk is lower than that of Class 3B lasers. The accessible emission limit is within 5 times the Class 2 AEL for wavelengths between 400 nm and 700 nm, and within 5 times the Class 1 AEL for wavelengths outside this region. |
Class 3B: |
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This class is made of medium power laser sources, from 5 mW to 500 mW. they are normally hazardous under direct beam viewing conditions, but are normally safe when viewing diffuse reflections. |
Class 4: |
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Lasers are hazardous under both intrabeam and diffuse reflection viewing conditions. They may cause also skin injuries and are potential fire hazards. A continuous source of this class emits more than 500 mW. |