Health Canada is consulting with industry on proposed changes to the requirements for lasers as outlined in Schedule II of the Radiation Emitting Device Regulations (REDR). These proposed changes aim to protect Canadians from laser radiation hazards, align Canadian requirements with international standards, and address a broader range of laser devices.
This consultation will be open, June 30, 2021 to August 30, 2021 closing date. Provide your comments and input to Health Canada’s environmental and radiation health sciences directorate by the deadline.
The consultation is focused on industry feedback from:
- manufacturers, importers, and retailers of laser devices, and related trade associations
- test/certification labs
- standards development organizations
- groups or individuals (e.g., organizations, professionals) that use laser devices
- all interested Canadians
The purpose of the consultation is to solicit feedback from industry in regards to proposed changes to the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations which are aimed at enhancing the safety of laser devices that are imported, sold, leased or advertised in Canada.
Specific areas where input is required include:
- introduction of new broad laser requirements aligned with sections of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s Standard (“IEC 60825-1, Safety of Laser Products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements, Ed. 3.0, 2014”)
- requirements for minimum design features, appropriate warning labels and accompanying safety information for specific laser classes/hazard levels
- specific Canadian deviations from the standard under consideration
- class limits for specific types of laser devices
- potential impacts of removing the existing requirements for Laser Scanners (Part VII) and Demonstration Lasers (Part VIII)
- exemption of certain devices from the requirements of IEC 60825-1 “Safety of Laser Products”
The input gathered through this process will be used to inform next steps in the project.
List of products as provided in Schedule II Radiation Emitting Regulations:
Television receivers, dental X-Ray Equipment, microwave ovens, baggage inspection x-ray devices, demonstration-type gas discharge devices, photofluorographic x-ray equipment, laser scanners, demonstration lasers, low energy electron microscopes, high intensity mercury vapour discharge lamps, tanning equipment, diagnostic x-ray equipment, ultrasound therapy devices, analytical x-ray equipment, cabinet x-ray equipment.
Related information
Contact information:
Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate
Health Canada
Email: hc.erhsdgeneral-dssergenerale.sc@canada.ca
Please indicate “Laser Consultation” in the email subject line.