In today’s world, products spanning consumer technology, the medical industry, tools, laboratory equipment and beyond can employ a laser or LED. From laser measurements to evaluating blue light hazards for LED safety, our optical radiation services provide manufacturers with the testing and evaluation data to meet their specific needs, ranging from simple optical output measurement results to full IEC CB test reports with CB certificates.
Laser and LED safety is a critical concern for customers. UL offers a variety of laser/LED Verification services, enabling manufacturers to obtain a UL Verified Mark for their products, to confirm safe optical radiation levels and help alleviate safety concerns from users, retailers and others.
Our optical radiation services help accelerate access to global markets. UL has global optical radiation laboratories evaluating products and requirements, empowering manufacturers to confirm and document compliance with applicable radiation safety standards.
UL’s optical radiation services provide manufacturers with testing and evaluation data that meet their specific needs.
Laser Radiation and Laser Safety - Focusing on Solutions
While lasers provide many technological benefits to products, they also create additional safety concerns. Laser radiation can be hazardous to the eyes or skin under certain circumstances. The primary purpose of two laser product safety standards – FDA/CDRH 21CFR within the U.S., and IEC 60825-1 outside the U.S. – is to ensure a product has appropriate safeguards to protect those who use, maintain and service that product.
Our full-service laser laboratories perform laser testing, helping products ranging from lidar to additive manufacturing and beyond, meet laser safety requirements and providing the needed report format to meet U.S. FDA/CDRH and/or IEC laser safety standards.
LED Radiation and LED Safety - Understanding Diverging Requirements
As the use of LEDs and their capabilities grow, so do the photobiological safety concerns associated with them – for example, the blue light hazard. Both the ANSI-based RP-27 and IEC 62471 series of standards address the photobiological hazards from LEDs. We perform the testing and evaluation needed to determine a product’s Risk Group hazard classification as defined in the applicable standards.
Our optical radiation laboratories evaluate all types of LED-based products, from LEDs used in bar code imaging to security cameras and beyond. Our reports help manufacturers confirm and document compliance with LED radiation safety requirements.
UV Radiation - Revealing Answers to Invisible Hazards
Broadband ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be emitted by LEDs or lamps. This UV radiation is primarily invisible, but can present a serious photobiological safety concern, damaging exposed skin and eyes.
There are several safety standards that address potential UV radiation hazards, including the ANSI-based RP-27 series, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit values for occupational and environmental health requirements, and the IEC 62471 series of standards.
Our optical radiation laboratories can evaluate UV radiation to any of these standards. Results are provided in the appropriate reporting format, helping increase turnaround times and access to global markets.