Courtland . . . With regards to the fiber optic cable that you make reference to, is that the 'pigtail' from the laser device? Or is that the actual installation fiber?
If the output power is from the far end of an installed fiber, then I would not make that classification. The output power is what is available at the product itself without the fiber installed. Someone can turn the unit on without a fiber installed and look into the connector (although one would assume that people would know better. But you know where assupmtions get you . . . ). The other consideration is the location of where the product will ultimately be installed. Is it in a 'restricted access' location? Or is it in an 'unrestricted location' where any idiot can mess with it? That is another variable in determining classification and what engineering controls are/are not required. With specific reference to the label, I would put it near the 'aperture' from which the beam is accessible. That makes the most sense. Once again, the CDRH will check that in the report you file wiht them. The argument from your marketing dept. has 'some' merit. Personally, I don't think it's going to affect sales. If your product is 'commercial' equipment as opposed to consumer, then I would like to think (I am assuming again)that your customer base is educated about such products. Obviously your customers know that they're buying a laser product? The alternative is getting a lawsuit from the customer because there was no warning and someone now has retinal damage.Then the CDRH will definitely be reviewng your file. John Juhasz Fiber Options Bohemia, NY -----Original Message----- From: Courtland Thomas [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2000 2:27 PM To: emcpost Subject: Laser Safety Product Labeling Hello group, Does anyone have any experience with product labeling equipment, that use lasers. I have a situation where a Class 3B laser is used, however after the power attenuation through the fiber cable, the output power is only 800uW max. This power actually could be considered Class 2, however the wavelength is 1300nm, which falls into the invisible light spectrum. Therefore, I plan to label the product Class 3A. If there are any errors in my reasoning, please let me know. I want to place a caution label (all that is required for this output level) on the top of the product, but my marketing people don't want it displayed there because they feel that it may hamper sales. Unfortunately, marketing has too much authority, so I am looking for a standard that mandates where the label should go. Everything I have read only makes suggestions, but I need more than that. Thanks in advance, Courtland Thomas Patton Electronics ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Jim Bacher: [email protected] Michael Garretson: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected]
