Laser lighting products are used to create distinct and striking visual effects. The light that is used to create these stunning
effects is different from normal light and therefore several precautions need to be taken when using lasers to ensure that the
lighting effects are safe and enjoyable to view. The optical power output from the kind of lasers used for lighting displays can be
harmful if not properly setup or is misused. When used following the recommended health and safety guidelines, laser lighting
effects are no more harmful than looking at any conventional lighting effect.
This guide has been put together to provide you with some background information about laser safety, and guidance on the
recommended health and safety requirements for using lasers in public places. Although this guide covers the main points to
consider when using laser effects, users are advised to familiarise themselves with other guidance, particularly that issued by the
Health and Safety Executive, HS(G)95 The Radiation Safety Of Lasers Used For Display Purposes.
What is a laser?
A laser is device that produces a special kind of light that is different from normal light sources. Laser light sources differ from
normal light sources in that they produce very narrow and intense beams of light that can remain parallel over long distances. It
is this high concentration of light that can sometimes make lasers harmful to look directly into.
What is a Class 3R Laser?
Any device that contains a laser has to be classified depending upon the amount of laser light that someone might be exposed
to. During design and manufacture of the product, the manufacturer assigns the laser product to one of the various classes
defined in the Safety of Laser Products Standard (BS/EN 60825-1:2014). The classes range from the safest, which is Class 1, through
to the most hazardous, which is Class 4.
For example, CD and DVD players contain lasers to read the disk, and because they are normally inaccessible to people, they are
classified as a Class 1 laser products. Laser Pointers output more accessible power than CD/DVD players and are normally limited
to being Class 2 devices. Most laser lighting effects units are Class 3B and Class 4 laser products. These two classes have the
highest potential to cause harm because they emit the most light output. This is, of course, desirable and necessary for laser
lighting effects! In between Classes 2 and 3B is Class 3R. This class of laser is not intrinsically safe but the power emitted by these
devices is not high enough to cause a major injury in most cases. Persistent viewing of the emitted beam(s) should be avoided to
minimise potential risk.
A laser device that emits between 1mW and 5mW of light can be classified as a Class 3R laser product.
Are Class 3R Laser Lighting Effects safe to view?
Yes, if used responsibly, and in accordance with the relevant the guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive.
In the simplest terms, only persistent viewing of the output beam can pose a potential risk. As with any laser, one should not look
directly into to laser source.
What harm can a Class 3R Laser cause?
Class 3R laser devices can be potentially harmful to eyesight if viewed directly and persistently. The potential for injury that a
Class 3R laser can cause is very low and it would take a significant effort to achieve any noticeable injury. The most noticeable
effect is temporary dazzle which may disorient the recipient due to the afterimages which will be caused by the exposure. These
effects will fade after a short time.
Are there any laws or licences relating to using Class 3R lasers?
There are no specific “laser laws” or any “laser licences” that anybody needs in order to own or operate a laser for lightshow use.
However, there is specific guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive in the form of a document called HS(G)95 Radiation
Safety of Lasers Used for Display Purposes. HS(G)95 outlines a number of detailed points to consider when using lasers for
lightshow purposes. The safe use of lasers is down to the responsibility of the operator and their respect for the audience!
However, due the low emission levels of these lasers, they are generally not considered a hazard in normal
circumstances.
