SIST EN 60825-4:2008/A2:2011

Safety of laser products - Part 4: Laser guards

Amandma A2:2011 je dodatek k standardu SIST EN 60825-4:2008.
This part of IEC 60825 specifies the requirements for laser guards, permanent and temporary (for example for service), that enclose the process zone of a laser processing machine, and specifications for proprietary laser guards. This standard applies to all component parts of a guard including clear (visibly transmitting) screens and viewing windows, panels, laser curtains and walls. Requirements for beam path components, beam stops and those other parts of a protective housing of a laser product which do not enclose the process zone are contained in IEC 60825-1. In addition this part of IEC 60825 indicates: a) how to assess and specify the protective properties of a laser guard; and b) how to select a laser guard.

Sicherheit von Lasereinrichtungen - Teil 4: Laserschutzwände

Sécurité des appareils à laser - Partie 4: Protecteurs pour lasers

Varnost laserskih izdelkov - 4. del: Zaščitna oprema za laserje - Dopolnilo A2

Amandma A2:2011 je dodatek k standardu SIST EN 60825-4:2008.
Ta del IEC 60825 določa zahteve za zaščitno opremo za laserje, trajno in začasno (npr. pri delovanju), ki obdaja procesno območje aparata za lasersko obdelavo, in specifikacije za lastniško zaščitno opremo za laserje. Ta standard velja za vse sestavne dele zaščitne opreme, vključno s prozornimi (ki omogočajo vidljivost) zaščitnimi zasloni in opazovalnimi okenci, ploščami, zavesami in stenami za laserje. Zahteve za sestavne dele poti žarka, blokado žarka in druge dele zaščitnega ohišja laserskega proizvoda, ki ne obdajajo procesnega območja, so navedene v IEC 60825-1. Poleg tega ta del IEC 60825 opisuje: a) kako oceniti in določiti zaščitne lastnosti zaščitne opreme za laserje; in b) kako izbrati zaščitno opremo za laserje.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Jun-2011
• ICS: 31.260 - Optoelectronics. Laser equipment
• Technical Committee: ISS EIT.EVL - Optical radiation safety and laser equipment
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 08-Jun-2011
• Due Date: 13-Aug-2011
• Completion Date: 13-Jun-2011
• Directive: 1999/5/EC - Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity
• Directive: 2006/95/EC - Directive 2006/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (codified version)
• Directive: 2010-01-3290 - Pravilnik o železniškem telekomunikacijskem omrežju
• Directive: 2014/35/EU - Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• Ref Project: EN 60825-4:2006/A2:2011 - Safety of laser products - Part 4: Laser guards

Relations

• Amends: SIST EN 60825-4:2008 - Safety of laser products -- Part 4: Laser guards
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023
• Revised: SIST EN IEC 60825-4:2025 - Safety of laser products - Part 4: Laser guards
• Effective Date: 19-Jul-2016

Overview

SIST EN 60825-4:2008/A2:2011 is a European standard developed by CLC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) that focuses on the safety of laser products, specifically addressing laser guards. It serves as an amendment (A2) to the earlier EN 60825-4:2006, incorporating updated requirements to ensure effective protection from laser hazards. The standard outlines testing protocols and performance criteria designed to evaluate and guarantee the protective capabilities of laser guards used in various applications.

Key Topics

• Laser Guard Safety Requirements
  The standard defines safety measures to prevent access to hazardous laser radiation by implementing laser guards that comply with defined protection limits.

• Proprietary Laser Guard Testing
  EN 60825-4/A2 sets out strict guidelines for testing laser guards under controlled laser parameters. It prohibits simulating laser power inconsistently (e.g., using high power lasers to estimate low power exposure), emphasizing the importance of real, specific power level testing to maintain test validity.

• Protective Exposure Limits (PEL) and Protection Time
  The standard details how to measure the Protective Exposure Limit (PEL), which indicates the maximum laser irradiance that a guard can withstand without failure. It also defines the protection time-the duration a guard maintains effective protection under laser exposure.

• Test Conditions for Reliability
  The standard specifies conditions that ensure test reproducibility and accuracy, such as sample preparation, ventilation during testing, and beam parameters. It highlights effects such as thermal blooming and focal point shifts which could affect test results, stressing the need for standardization in experimental setup.

• Active and Passive Laser Guards
  EN 60825-4:2011 distinguishes between passive guards (physical barriers) and active guards (integrated systems that trigger laser shutdown). Active guards must comply with additional requirements including fault detection and providing timely laser termination signals.

• Maintenance and Inspection Intervals
  The standard introduces test classifications (T1, T2, T3) linked to maintenance inspection intervals, helping manufacturers and users plan proper periodic safety inspections based on guard usage scenarios.

• Documentation Requirements for Manufacturers
  Manufacturers are required to provide comprehensive test reports including laser parameters, material specifications, test sample details, and maintenance recommendations to assure end-users of the guard’s protective capabilities.

Applications

• Industrial Laser Safety
  Ensures safe operation of high-power laser machinery in manufacturing, metal processing, and material treatment lines by implementing and verifying effective laser guards.

• Laser Research Facilities
  Provides guidelines for safe enclosure and protection in experimental laboratories using lasers of varying power levels, preventing accidental exposure.

• Medical and Cosmetic Laser Devices
  Supports safety compliance for protective barriers in laser treatment equipment, enhancing patient and operator safety.

• Optoelectronics and Laser Manufacturing
  Applies to manufacturers designing laser systems and accessories, enabling them to certify their products meet recognized safety standards.

• Automation with Integrated Safety Controls
  Active laser guards integrated into automated laser systems for real-time hazard mitigation in robotic and automated workflows.

Related Standards

• EN 60825-1: Safety of laser products - Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
  Defines laser classifications and general safety requirements referenced by EN 60825-4.

• IEC 60825-4:2006
  The International Electrotechnical Commission’s original document which the EN version amends and adopts.

• Safety-Related Control Systems Standards
  For active laser guards forming part of safety control systems, relevant machine safety standards apply to ensure fault tolerance and reliability.

• Material Standards for Laser Guard Components
  Standards relating to materials, coatings, or surface treatments to ensure laser guards maintain integrity under operational conditions.

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Keywords: laser guard safety, EN 60825-4, protective exposure limit, laser radiation safety, laser guard testing, active laser guard, passive laser guard, laser product safety, optical radiation safety, laser hazard prevention, maintenance inspection intervals, laser safety standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2011
9DUQRVWODVHUVNLKL]GHONRYGHO=DãþLWQDRSUHPD]DODVHUMH'RSROQLOR$
Safety of laser products - Part 4: Laser guards
Sicherheit von Lasereinrichtungen - Teil 4: Laserschutzwände
Sécurité des appareils à laser - Partie 4: Protecteurs pour lasers
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60825-4:2006/A2:2011
ICS:
31.260 Optoelektronika, laserska Optoelectronics. Laser
oprema equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 60825-4/A2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2011
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 31.260
English version
Safety of laser products -
Part 4: Laser guards
(IEC 60825-4:2006/A2:2011)
Sécurité des appareils à laser -  Sicherheit von Lasereinrichtungen -
Partie 4: Protecteurs pour lasers Teil 4: Laserschutzwände
(CEI 60825-4:2006/A2:2011) (IEC 60825-4:2006/A2:2011)

This amendment A2 modifies the European Standard EN 60825-4:2006; it was approved by CENELEC on 2011-
05-03. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate
the conditions for giving this amendment the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This amendment exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2011 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60825-4:2006/A2:2011 E

Foreword
The text of document 76/428/CDV, future amendment 2 to IEC 60825-4:2006, prepared by IEC TC 76,
Optical radiation safety and laser equipment, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was
approved by CENELEC as amendment A2 to EN 60825-4:2006 on 2011-05-03.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN and CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the amendment has to be
implemented at national level by publication of
(dop) 2012-02-03
an identical national standard or by endorsement
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
(dow) 2014-05-03
with the amendment have to be withdrawn
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of amendment 2:2011 to the International Standard IEC 60825-4:2006 was approved by
CENELEC as an amendment to the European Standard without any modification.
__________
IEC 60825-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
AMENDMENT 2
AMENDEMENT 2
Safety of laser products –
Part 4: Laser guards
Sécurité des appareils à laser –
Partie 4: Protecteurs pour lasers

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE PRICE CODE
G
CODE PRIX
ICS 31.260 ISBN 978-2-88912-431-2

– 2 – 60825-4 Amend. 2  IEC:2011
FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by IEC technical committee 76: Optical radiation safety
and laser equipment.
The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
76/428/CDV 76/442/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the report
on voting indicated in the above table.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
_____________
Replace the existing Annex D with the following new Annex D:

60825-4 Amend. 2  IEC:2011 – 3 –
Annex D
(normative)
Proprietary laser guard testing

D.1 General
This annex contains details of the test conditions to be adhered to and the documentation to
be supplied by manufacturers of proprietary laser guards.
It should be noted that it is inappropriate to use higher power lasers to simulate low power
laser parameters or use low powered lasers to simulate high powered, by changing irradiance
or by adjustment of the distance from the focal point, because beam quality and other
characteristics of the laser beam are likely to be different or unexpected. Manipulating
characteristics of lasers of a certain power level to make or extrapolate estimates of a laser in
a different level (higher or lower power) is not permitted.
The evidence of the tests described herein is relevant only for, and is limited to, the laser
parameters used. Thus the results of these tests should serve only for comparison of laser
guards.
–2
The protective exposure limit (PEL W·m ) shall be applicable only for the beam dimensions
at the guard used in the tests. These dimensions at the guard shall be stated by the laser
guard manufacturer because the PEL, which indicates protection, decreases as the laser
beam dimensions increase. If the PEL is exceeded, the guard can be damaged and eventually
disintegrates. For the purposes of this annex the protection time is the time interval from
initial irradiation of the front surface until the laser radiation emitting beyond the rear surface
exceeds the accessible emission limit (AEL) for Class 1 as defined in IEC 60825-1.
D.2 Test conditions
A variety of exposure limit tests with different materials and different lasers may cause non-
reproducible results that can lead to false interpretations for the protective exposure limit and
overestimated lifetime predictions of laser guards. Thus equal and comparable conditions for
repeated tests must be ensured to maintain the integrity of the results.
As part of ensuring the integrity of the results, effort shall be made to eliminate or at least
minimise systematic or other errors that may also result in false interpretations for the PEL or
overestimation of the guard lifetime. Such errors may arise from:
a) material: reflecting surfaces, where reflectivity changes through oxidation or
contamination;
b) laser: with high power lasers (e.g. multi-kilowatt lasers), especially those with good beam
quality (i.e. fibre lasers and disk lasers), reactions have been seen that have considerable
influence on the actual irradiance on the surface of the laser guards.
Thus during testing, it is important that no mechanical or physical effects (such as described
below) occur between the beam aperture and the point of incidence on the guard material that
adversely affect any optical properties. It is important to note that testing conditions should be
accurately replicated, otherwise the resultant PEL or protection times may not be reliably
reproduced.
Examples of effects that influence test results include but are not limited to:
• generation of fine metallic fume, whereby laser radiation is absorbed (e.g. thermal
blooming) or scattered (e.g. Mie effect) in the metallic fume;

– 4 – 60825-4 Amend. 2  IEC:2011
• change of the focal point (thermal induced focal shift), whereby there is a change of
the power density at the surface of the laser guard. These effects may reduce the laser
power on the sample under test;
• establishment of an equilibrium (i.e. thermal equilibrium or balance between, incident
and reflected or reemitted radiation) leading to a practically infinite PEL or protection
time in one test, while a repeated test under assumed equal conditions leads to a finite
PEL or protection time.
–2 –2
The tested exposure limit (W⋅m for CW lasers or J⋅m for pulsed lasers) shall be
determined by tests performed when irradiating at least six samples by irradiating one surface
of each sample. Each sample shall be of representative thickness and composition, having a
front test surface prepared to give worst case absorption to laser radiation. Dimensions of
these samples shall be not less
...