In answer to Moshe Valdman's questions regarding lasers:
1. Yes, it is allowable to service the product with the laser
on. In fact, on many products the laser itself must be serviced,
focused, adjusted or aimed, which require it to be on. The
assumption is that these tasks will be performed by qualified
personnel who have taken care to wear personal protection
equipment (e.g., goggles) and to assure that appropriate warnings
are posted or the room is locked.
2. In the US, laser devices are under FDA regulation found in
the Code of Federal Regulations, Vol 21, Part 1040, Performance
Standards for Light Emitting Products. Specific interlock
requirements are dependent on the class of the laser.
Hello everyone,
Are there any persons among you with experience in certifying
medium/high power laser products?
Our product uses laser light to directly "etch" printing plates. We
have questions regarding:
1. Is it at all allowable to have these products serviced with laser
on?
2. How strictly should the interlock function be designed to be "fail
safe" "highly reliable" etc. Would "fail safe" always imply two
independent interlocks?
It would be very helpful to hear how similar hazards were dealt with
in other products.
I would be very grateful for your comments and for pointers to other
individuals or companies who could help.
thanks
moshe valdman
mgr - EMC,Safety,Reliability,Components engineering
