Eye safety
Hazards to the eye from LEDs, luminaires or other light sources are classified by DIN EN 62471, edition 2009-03 (Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems; German version EN 62471:2008; IEC 62471:2006). The hazard can be caused thermally or photochemically.
The following possible damage is considered when evaluating a light source for resulting hazards:
– Retinal damage due to light
– Retinal damage caused specifically by blue light (→ blue light hazard, photoretinitis)
– Damage caused by UV, UV-A and infrared light
– Damage to the retina (or skin) caused by the heat emitted by the light source
The hazard is assessed at a fixed viewing distance of 200 mm (or at the distance at which an illuminance of 500 lux is achieved).
The classification of a light source is divided into 4 risk groups (RG):
– RG0 (free group): No photobiological hazard
– RG1: Low risk. Damage to the retina can be largely ruled out when looking into the light source for a limited period of time.
– RG2: Medium risk of damage. The eyelid reflex prevents damage to the retina. If the eyelid reflex is suppressed, retinal damage can occur. Luminaires must be labeled.
– RG3: Damage to the retina even with fleeting or short-term irradiation, e.g. from lasers or very bright, directional light sources. Are not approved for general use.
Büchner Lichtsysteme offers eye safety assessments in accordance with DIN EN 62471.
