This document provides guidance on best practices in the safe use of laser products that conform to IEC 60825-1. The terms "laser product" and "laser equipment" as used in this document also refer to any device, assembly or system that is capable of emitting optical radiation produced by a process of stimulated emission.

Class 1 laser products normally pose no beam hazard and Class 2 and Class 3R laser products present only a minimal beam hazard. With these products, it is normally sufficient to follow the warnings on the product labels and the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. It is unlikely that further protective measures as described in this document will be necessary.

This document emphasizes evaluation of the risk from higher power lasers, but the users of the lower power lasers can benefit from the information provided.

This document can be applied to the use of any product that incorporates a laser, whether or not it is sold or offered for sale. Therefore, it applies to specially constructed lasers (including experimental and prototype systems).

This document is intended to help laser users and their employers to understand the general principles of safety management, to identify the hazards that can be present, to assess the risks of harm that can arise, and to set up and maintain appropriate control measures. Although the guidance given in this document is aimed principally at organizations (whether private, corporate or public), where systems of safety management would be expected to be in place, it can be applied by anyone using lasers.

Laser control measures vary widely. They depend on the type of laser equipment in use, the task or process being performed, the environment in which the equipment is used and the personnel who are at risk of harm. Specific requirements for certain laser applications are given in other documents in the IEC 60825 series.

The terms "reasonably foreseeable" and "reasonably foreseen" are used in this document in relation to certain specific events, situations or conditions. It is the responsibility of the person using this document to determine what is "reasonably foreseeable" and what occurrences might be "reasonably foreseen", and to be able to defend, on the basis of risk-assessment criteria, any such judgements that are made.

Reference is made in this document to laser "users". This includes persons having responsibility for safety in addition to those who actually work with or operate laser equipment.