Area Warning Signs & Equipment Labels

Equipment labels for health care laser systems should be in accordance with the Federal Laser Product Performance Standard (FLPPS) or international standards such as those set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Area warning signs should be conspicuous and on all doors entering the laser treatment controlled area. These warning signs should be covered or removed when lasers are not currently in use.

All area warning signs and equipment labels must include the appropriate signal word (Caution or Danger) in the upper panel, and there should be enough free space left for additional pertinent information. This information can be printed or handwritten and should include:

• Special precautionary instructions or protective actions required by the reader, including:
  • For Class 2 lasers: "Laser Radiation - Do Not Stare into Beam"
  • For Class 2M lasers where the accessible irradiance does not exceed the MPE: "Laser Radiation - Do Not Stare into Beam or View with Optical Instruments"
  • For Class 3R lasers: "Laser Radiation - Avoid Direct Eye Exposure"
  • For Class 3B lasers: "Laser Radiation - Avoid Direct Exposure to Beam"
  • For Class 4 lasers: "Laser Radiation - Avoid Eye or Skin Exposure to Direct or Scattered Radiation"
• Special precautionary instructions or protective actions such as "Laser Surgery in Process - Eye Protection Required"
• Type of laser and the emitted wavelength, pulse duration, and maximum output
• The class of the laser system

The following are conventionally used warning signs for entry into an area where a laser is in use:

CAUTION (Class 2 and Class 3R not exceeding MPE for irradiance)

DANGER (Class 3R exceeding MPE for irradiance, Class 3B, Class 4)

NOTICE OF REPAIR (Temporary laser-controlled area)

Note that personnel who do not read or understand the English language and who may need to enter areas where lasers are used must be provided appropriate instructions as to the meaning of warning signs and labels. Identification of such personnel is the responsibility of the LSO.

To learn more about LSO visit our Medical Laser Safety Officer Online Training web page.