over a distance. Reports of laser misuse targeting helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were on the rise. The Laser Misuse( Vehicles) Act 2018 has been enacted, granting the police additional powers and introducing a specific criminal offence for laser attacks on planes or vehicles.
Common problems For years the focus of concern was on laser pointers, but today this extends to a wide range of products used at home, including medical treatments, party enhancements and nightlights. Such products are frequently purchased online, raising two crucial questions:“ Can these products be sold to the public?” and“ Are they safe?”
Even assuming the product information clearly states the item contains a laser, which isn ' t always the case, a member of the public would likely assume that the answer to both questions is“ Yes”. One might also assume that the product has passed inspection by an appropriate authority before being made available on the market, but unfortunately this is not always so. This may be because the product is incorrectly described, the authority is unaware of the hazard, there is insufficient time for investigation or the product reaches the UK hidden within other shipments.
Faced with these challenges, the UKHSA has developed a practical guide to assist UK authorities in quickly and efficiently identifying obvious issues during inspection of consumer products intended for the UK market. The guide outlines common problems encountered during inspections of consumer laser products:
• Emission wavelength, including wavelengths invisible to the human eye
• Output power exceeding the specified level
• Removable components may lead to higher output power
• Labelling adheres to the American Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 1040.10, instead of BS EN 60825- 1:2014 + A11:2021
• Insufficient or inaccurate product descriptions. For laser products above Class 1, user information should include appropriate safety advice or / and recommendations for safe use.
In the UK, the Office for Product Safety and Standards( OPSS) clearly states:“ Product safety laws help prevent you from being harmed by what you have or use in your home, or while out and about.” OPSS also states that UK consumers should“ Think carefully about who and where you are buying from” and“ The internet has made it far easier to get a product delivered straight to your door; if you buy it from a seller based outside the UK there is a chance it may not be manufactured or labelled in accordance with our safety laws.” These considerations are crucial when purchasing a consumer laser product.
Incorrect label commonly found on laser products and example of correct labelling
20 Radiation Protection Today www. srp-rpt. uk