Laser products

On this page

• Overview
• How lasers are classified
• Labelling and information for users
• Health and safety risks
• Government of Canada's Role

Overview

"Laser" is an acronym that stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." A laser typically emits a very focused and intense beam that can travel long distances. Some laser products are safe, but others can be very dangerous and can lead to injury if safety measures are not taken.

Lasers have many different uses, including:

• military
• medical
• security
• research
• business
• industrial
• veterinary
• consumer
• pest control
• entertainment
• transportation
• law enforcement

How lasers are classified

Under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 60825-1, laser products are categorized in the following order, from the lowest to highest potential hazard: Class 1, 1C, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4. Classifying lasers according to their hazard level helps determine the necessary control measures to reduce the risk of eye and skin injuries. These measures include engineering safety features that are built into the device, warning labels, and user information.

Labelling and information for users

Valuable information about the beam is provided on laser labels such as:

• its assigned hazard class
• emitted wavelengths
• maximum power or energy output

The label may also instruct to not stare into the beam or expose users of telescopes, magnifying lenses, or binoculars.

The label may provide information about the emission duration (time between pulses) or tell the user if the laser beam is visible or invisible.

The IEC standard outlines requirements and options for laser labelling. Some examples of warning labels are:

Example of a hazard symbol warning label for a Class 1C, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B or 4 laser – Text Equivalent

The example of the warning label for a laser product has a triangular shape, with a yellow background and black border. A black laser starburst hazard symbol is in the centre.

Example 1 of an IEC explanatory label that may be on a Class 4 laser - Text Equivalent

Example of an explanatory label, in English, appropriate for a Class 4 laser product. The label has a rectangular shape, with a yellow background and black border. In the centre of the label is a warning, in black and uppercase: DANGER − LASER RADIATION. AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION CLASS 4 LASER PRODUCT

Example 2 of an IEC explanatory label that may be on a Class 4 laser - Text Equivalent

Example of an alternative label, in English, appropriate for a Class 4 laser product. The label has a rectangular shape, with 5 panels bordered in black. The 4 panels on the top have a white background. Panel 1 shows the warning label. Panel 2 has an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle, the word DANGER on a red background, and the words LASER 4. Panel 3 has a red cross-out symbol and an eye that is exposed to a laser beam. Panel 4 has a red cross-out symbol and a hand that is exposed to a laser beam. Panel 5 has a yellow background and a black legend in the centre. The following words are in uppercase: AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION

Valuable information to identify the product and its origins is also provided on laser labels. This includes the:

• model number of the laser product
• date of manufacture
• name and civic address of the manufacturer and distributor

If these details are not affixed on the laser itself, look for them in the accompanying user manual or on the package.

The manufacturer of a laser product should also provide a user manual or instructions for safe assembly, maintenance and operation. The specific information that must accompany a laser product depends on the intended application and the hazard classification. Make sure to read the information carefully to understand the potential hazards and how to avoid them.

Health and safety risks

Class 3B and 4 laser products have:

• intense radiation emissions
• enough power to ignite flammable materials or start a fire if the beam is focussed
• the potential to cause serious harm to health

Exposure to a direct or reflected beam for even a fraction of a second may cause:

• burns
• permanent eye damage

For these reasons, a controlled laser safety environment and professional laser safety training are necessary for the safe operation of Class 3B and 4 laser products.

Even a quick look into the beam of any visible laser, at any classification, can result in temporary effects such as dazzle, flash blindness or afterimages. Looking into the beam of a Class 3R laser can cause serious damage to the eyes. An eye injury can also occur if someone looks at a Class 1M or 2M laser through a telescope, binoculars or a magnifying lens.

Handheld lasers and laser pointers

Handheld lasers and laser pointers are popular and widely available in Canada. Battery powered handheld lasers may resemble pens or flashlights. These are most commonly used to point at objects in lectures or presentations. However, they may also be advertised for other uses. A simple handheld laser pointer can be more than a million times brighter than the average 100-watt light bulb in your home.

Class 3B and Class 4 handheld portable lasers are considered a danger to human health or safety. Their import, manufacture, advertising and sale is prohibited under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

Reduce your risk

Laser products categorized as Class 3R or lower can be operated safely if used as directed and should always be used with caution. Here are a few guidelines to reduce your risk.

For all laser products

• Never point a laser beam at anyone or look directly into the beam.
• Look for warning labels, safety features and instructions which explain how to properly handle the laser.
• If you are uncertain about the classification of a laser, contact the manufacturer or distributor.
• Never 'play around' with lasers, as they can be a fire hazard, cause burns, flash blindness or even permanent eye damage.

For laser pointers

• Be wary of lasers advertised for purposes other than pointing or beam-display (for example: for burning or balloon popping).
• Choose a laser pointer that stays on only when the button is pressed. That way you can never leave the beam on by accident.
• Never aim a laser pointer at surfaces that would reflect the light back, like mirrors or mirrored surfaces.
• Never aim a direct bright light source like a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft. It is a federal offence under the Aeronautics Act. It can jeopardize aviation safety and can be hazardous to pilots and threaten passenger safety. Just as with aircrafts, do not aim at cars and trucks.
• Never leave a laser pointer within the reach of children. Do not allow children to use laser pointers.

Government of Canada's role

Lasers can be regulated under different laws depending on the type of laser product and its intended use.

Health Canada administers the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA) and its Regulations, which cover the sale, lease, advertisement, and importation of radiation emitting devices, including lasers. It's the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer or distributor to ensure their laser product complies with the applicable requirements set out in REDA and its regulations.

Changes have been made to the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (laser products) concerning the scope of products and safety requirements for lasers that are imported, sold or leased in Canada. These changes were published in Canada Gazette, Part II, on October 9, 2024 and take effect 1 year after this date.

• Regulations amending the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Laser Products)
• Guidance for laser products

Some laser products may be subject to other legislation administered by Health Canada, such as:

• Pest Control Products Act
• Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
• Food and Drugs Act and Medical Devices Regulations

For example, Class 3B and 4 handheld portable lasers are considered a danger to human health or safety under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Their sale, import, advertisement and manufacture are prohibited in Canada.

Other authorities may have additional requirements. For example,

• Transport Canada does not allow for lasers in certain public areas, including airports, under the Aeronautics Act's Canadian Aviation Regulations.
• Employment and Social Development Canada has requirements for lasers used in federally regulated workplaces under the Canada Labour Code's Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

Additional information is provided in the Guidance for laser products.

More information

• Radiation Emitting Devices Act
• Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
• Use hand-held lasers legally and safely
• Laser safety measure: questions and answers
• Report an incident involving a consumer product
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 60825-1 - Safety of laser products
• Danger to human health or safety assessment for class 3B and class 4 handheld portable lasers