Standard Overview
GB/T 7247.1-2024 "Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements" was released in September 2024 and officially
implemented on April 1, 2025, replacing the old version GB 7247.1-2012. This standard is based on the latest version of the international standard
IEC 60825-1 and applies to all laser products sold in the Chinese market, including laser level gauges.
Laser classification level
According to the degree of harm caused by laser radiation, laser products are classified into 7 levels according to the standard:
Class 1 laser: Under normal usage conditions, it is harmless and will not cause harm even if exposed for a long time.
1M class laser: safe for naked eye observation, but may be harmful under optical magnification conditions. Some laser level gauges belong to this
category.
Class 2 laser: Low power visible light laser (≤ 1mW, wavelength 400-700nm), brief irradiation (≤ 0.25 seconds) usually does not cause harm. Most
laser level gauges belong to this category.
Class 2M laser: Similar to Class 2, but may be harmful under optical amplification conditions.
3R class laser: Low to medium power laser (1-5mW), direct viewing may be harmful, but the risk is relatively low.
Class 3B laser: Medium power laser (5-500mW), direct viewing or mirror reflection may cause eye damage.
Class 4 lasers: High power lasers (>500mW) can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes, and may also trigger fires.
Most commercial laser level instruments belong to Class 1M or Class 2 laser products and must comply with the corresponding radiation limit
requirements.
Product identification requirements
The laser level must be clearly and permanently marked with the following information on the product casing:
Laser classification level (such as "Class 2 Laser Product")
Laser wavelength (commonly 635nm or 650nm red laser, some green laser)
Maximum output power (e.g.<1mW)
Warning signs and phrases (such as "Avoid direct viewing of laser beams")
Manufacturer information
The marking should be placed in a position where personnel can see it without being exposed to more than Class 1 AEL laser radiation, and the
border and symbol should be painted black on a yellow background (except for Class 1 products). The maximum recognition distance and minimum
area of the mark must meet the standard requirements.
Engineering protection requirements
Protective cover and interlocking device: Safety interlocking device must be equipped to prevent accidental opening or exposure to laser radiation
exceeding the safety level. For 4M class equipment, it is mandatory to equip dual interlock devices and dynamic beam termination systems.
Beam terminator or attenuator: High grade laser systems should be equipped with permanent additional attenuation devices.
Optical observer: Any observation hole or display screen should provide sufficient attenuation to prevent exposure to excessive radiation.
Scanning safety device: When scanning fails, people should not be exposed to AEL laser radiation exceeding the designated category.
Environmental adaptability: It should meet safety requirements under expected working conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, etc.).
Assessment of achievable emission limit (AEL)
Laser radiation measurement: detecting key parameters such as laser output power, energy density, pulse characteristics, etc.
Classification determination: Determine the safety category of the product based on wavelength, output power, and radiation time.
Testing conditions: Testing should be conducted under normal working conditions, maintenance and repair periods, and reasonably foreseeable
single fault conditions.
Measurement uncertainty: It is necessary to consider the reduction of measurement error, statistical uncertainty, and radiation safety over time.
User Information Requirements
Safety instructions: The user manual should include detailed safety instructions.
Potential risk warning: Clearly state the potential hazards caused by laser radiation.
Emergency response measures: Provide suggestions for handling accidental exposure.
Wavelength and power information: For Class 1 and 1M products, wavelength, maximum output, and other information can be included in the user profile.
Testing and certification process
Application and Consultation: Submit basic information such as product type, power, and application scenarios.
Sample testing: Send samples or conduct on-site testing, and conduct comprehensive testing in accordance with GB/T 7247.1-2024 standard.
Key testing items:
Laser radiation power/energy measurement
Assessment of achievable emission limit (AEL)
Beam divergence angle test
Inspection of protective measures (interlocking devices, protective covers, etc.)
Compliance review of labeling and instructions
Report delivery: Provide authoritative testing reports and offer compliance improvement suggestions (if needed).
Main changes between old and new standards
Compared with GB 7247.1-2012, the main updates of the 2024 version of the standard include:
Added 4M laser classification: for pulse laser equipment with peak power exceeding 1.5MW.
Extended wavelength coverage range: The evaluation range has been expanded from 380-1400nm to 200-3000nm.
Inclusion in plasma radiation assessment: For the first time, laser-induced plasma radiation has been included in the safety assessment system.
Stricter radiation limits: AEL adjustments for some laser categories to match the latest international research data.
Enhanced pulsed laser evaluation: adding more rigorous testing methods.
Optimize identification standards: The size, color, and content of laser warning labels are more standardized.
Corporate compliance recommendations
Check the existing product design item by item against the new standards.
Focus on investigating safety interlocks and radiation warning systems.
Ensure that product labeling complies with the latest regulatory requirements.
Timely contact authoritative testing institutions with CNAS and CMA qualifications for product retesting and report updates.
Organize relevant personnel to learn the new standard content and enhance their awareness of laser safety.
