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3D Laser Scanner

Focus Core

Focus Premium

Focus S

Focus S Plus

Focus M

Focus3D

Focus3D X

Focus3D X HDR

Focus3D S

FARO® Knowledge Base

Safety Information for the FARO Laser Scanner

FocusPremIso180h.png

Overview

This article guides you through the safety information of FARO® Focus Laser Scanners.

Laser Specifications

Laser Scanner Model Laser Class / Documentation Wave Length Beam Divergence
Focus Premium & Core
Class I
Focus Premium & Core Laser Classification 
1553.5nm 0.3mrad (1/e)
Focus M70 & S70/S150/S350
Class I
Focus M&S Laser Classification 
1550 nm 0.3mrad (1/e)
Focus3DX 30/130/330    Class I 1550 nm 0.19mrad (0.011°) (1/e, half angle)
Focus3D 20/120
Class 3R
Focus 3D Laser Classification and Eye Safety
905 nm 0.19mrad (0.011°) (1/e, half angle)

Class I: Safe. Any laser or laser system containing a laser that cannot emit laser radiation at levels that are known to cause eye or skin injury during normal operation.

Class 3R: Safe when handled carefully. Only small hazard potential for accidental exposure. Direct intrabeam viewing may be hazardous for the eyes when defined exposure limits are exceeded. For more information, please see the Focus 3D Laser Classification and Eye Safety document.


For more information on laser classifications and regulations, please visit the following sites:

General Safety Information

  • Read the User's Manual carefully and refer to it. Pay close attention to all warnings and follow the instructions step by step
  • In the interests of safety, the laser scanner and its accessories should only be used by suitably-trained and knowledgeable operators, after they have read and understood the User Manual, and carefully considered all potential hazards involved. We recommend that operators participate in trainings offered by FARO
  • Improper use can impair the protection provided by the product, and lead to product damage or serious personal injury. Improper use means using the product in other ways than the ones described in the User Manual, or under operating conditions that differ from those described
  • Do not expose the laser scanner and its accessories to extreme temperatures. The ambient temperature must not be lower or higher than the ones presented in the specifications. Do not use the  laser scanner near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat
  • Properly dispose of the product and its batteries in accordance to your country’s regulations
  • Do not use the laser scanner and its accessories in an explosive atmosphere, like in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard
  • Before operating the laser scanner and its accessories in hazardous areas, contact the local safety authorities and safety experts
  • When the product is transferred from a cold to a significantly warmer environment, water may condense on some elements inside the scanner. To avoid this, we recommend placing the scanner in an airtight plastic bag before bringing it from a cold to a significantly warmer environment. This allows the condensation to form on the bag and not inside the scanner. If you do not have the possibility to pack the scanner airtight, wait until observable condensation water evaporates from the scanner before switching it on
  • If the scanner becomes wet, let it dry completely before placing it in the transport case. Ensure that the foam in the case never gets wet while unpacking or packing the scanner
  • Do not operate the scanner while the external power supply is plugged in. The power cable might damage the turning scanner
  • Do not use parts which have not been supplied or recommended by FARO
  • Servicing and repair must only be done by qualified service personnel authorized by FARO. Unplug the product from the power outlet, remove the battery and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
    • The power-supply cord or plug is damaged
    • The product has been exposed to rain, water, or other liquids
    • The product has been dropped or damaged in any way
    • Objects have fallen onto the product
    • The product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions
    • The product exhibits a distinct change in performance
    • The required service and calibration date is reached

Eye Safety Information

Focus Premium/Core

  • The Focus Premium is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT in accordance with IEC 60825-1:2014 (ed. 3). Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for conformance with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3., as described in Laser Notice No. 56, dated May 8, 2019.
  • Due to permanent rotation of the deflecting mirror, the human eye is exposed to the IR laser for only very short periods of time per revolution, and thus the average deposited energy is well below the limits for a laser class 1 device.
  • The laser scanner is safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation. The maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. It is harmless to the eyes if it is used and maintained in accordance with the instructions of the User Manual.

FocusM and FocusS

  • The FARO® FocusM and FocusS utilize a Class 1 Laser. Click here to download the expert classification and certification documentation according to the IEC 60825-1 Ed. 2.0 (2007) and Ed. 3.0 (2014) standards.
  • Due to permanent rotation of the deflecting mirror, the human eye is exposed to the IR laser for only very short periods of time per revolution, and thus the average deposited energy is well below the limits for a laser class 1 device.
  • The laser scanner is safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation. The maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. It is harmless to the eyes if it is used and maintained in accordance with the instructions of the User Manual.

Focus3D X

  • The laser scanner produces an invisible laser beam with a wavelength of 1550nm. The power of the emitted beam is below 500mW. The beam divergence is typically 0.27mrad (0.015°). It is classified as laser class 1 in accordance with IEC 60825- 1:2007: Safety of laser products. Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements; Edition 2.0 
  • The scanner is safe under reasonably forseeable conditions of operation. The maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. It is harmless to the eyes if it is used and maintained in accordance with the instructions of the user manual.

Focus3D 

  • The Focus3D laser scanner produces an invisible laser beam with a wavelength of 905nm. The average laser power maximum is 20mW and the beam divergence is typically 0.19mrad (0.011°). In accordance to the standard IEC 60825-1:2007, Ed 2.0, the scanner is classified as a Class 3R laser system, and direct intrabeam viewing may be hazardous for the eyes when working within an area around the Class 3R laser system where the defined exposure limits are exceeded
  • However, the laser scanner is biophysiologically eye safe. Exceeding the exposure limits does not necessarily mean that an actual risk for injury exists. According to a study made by Professor Schulmeister, a worldwide expert of Laser Safety, there is no medical risk to your eyes from the laser, even if you are with closer than the eye safety distance
  • Nonetheless, standard regulation under IEC 60285-1 Ed. 2.0 states that if required by law, safety glasses will still have to be worn if any users are closer than the eye hazard distance displayed by our scanner, depending on the country’s regulation or work place safety legislation
  • To enable the user to identify the laser hazard area (nominal ocular hazard area - NOHA) around the scanner within which the defined exposure limits are exceeded, the controller software of the scanner shows the actual valid eye safety distance (nominal ocular hazard distance - NOHD). We differentiate between the axial and the radial NOHD.The resulting NOHA surrounding the scanner can thus be described as a cylinder along the scanner’s Z axis of rotation, where the radial NOHD is equivalent to the cylinder’s radius and the axial NOHD is equivalent to its center line coming from the center of the scanner mirror.


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Both the axial and the radial NOHD are dependent on the requested scanning resolution and quality. Below you can find the axial and radial NOHD (in meters), repetition rate and pulse duration for all resolution and quality combinations that are available.

kA270000000Ce7uCAC_en_US_1_1.jpeg


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When working with the Focus3D you should be aware of the following laser safety measures:

  • WARNING: This product employs a laser system. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not attempt to open the enclosure
  • WARNING: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified in this manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure
  • Avoid looking into the direction of the laser. Avoid direct eye exposure, do not stare into the laser beam and do not direct it to other people
  • Do not look to the laser beam directly with optical instruments
  • Do not place mirrors or objects with reflective surface into the beam. The mentioned safety measures are also valid for the reflected laser beam
  • The scanner should be operated by trained personnel only
  • The customer should assess the proper functioning of the delivered scanner at regular intervals, each of which shall not exceed a maximum period of one year, which may occur via customer service during the yearly maintenance and certification service. You should immediately stop the further use of the scanner if any failure is found
  • Respect the safety precautions and control measures that are specified in IEC 60825-1:2007, Ed 2.0. Also respect differences to the mentioned safety precautions and control measures that may exist in national or regional publications. Depending on national regulation or work place safety legislation, further laser safety measures might be necessary, such as:
    • Personnel working in distances shorter than the NOHD must wear laser safety goggles
    • Prevent people without laser safety goggles from entering the NOHA (e.g. by using a safety fence)
    • The NOHA should be posted with appropriate laser warning signs and should be demarcated
    • Companies working with Class 3R laser systems have to appoint a laser safety officer

NOTE: these mentioned laser safety measures raise no claim to completeness. Refer to your national regulations and legislations for more information on required laser safety measures when working with Class 3R laser systems. If working with laser safety goggles, they must be selected for the specific type of laser. For the Focus3D, use goggles which are specified for DI 800-980 L5 or higher. D stands for continuous wave laser mode, I for pulsed laser mode, 800- 980 describes the laser wavelength, and L5 is the L-rating, which is used to indicate the level of protection provided for specific wavelength ranges. Refer to your laser safety commissioner for more information.

In accordance with IEC 60825-1:2007, Ed 2.0, the Focus3D is equipped with the following laser signs:

kA270000000Ce7uCAC_en_US_1_3.jpeg      kA270000000Ce7uCAC_en_US_1_4.jpeg


The Focus3D stays within the limits of laser class 1 if all instructions of this manual are obeyed, especially if no one is allowed to enter the NOHD without wearing laser safety goggles.

Laser Safety Glasses Specifications Supplied with the Focus3D

The laser safety glasses (part number ACCSS6003 or ACCSS6004) supplied with the Focus3D models 20/120 and S20/S120 are made of out of polycarbonate material. The safety glasses are specified for DI 800-980 L5 or higher laser products, where D stands for continuous wave laser mode, I for pulsed laser mode, and 800-980 describes the laser wavelength. L5 is the L-rating used to indicate the level of protection provided for specific wavelength ranges.

Safety glasses are generally required for use with the following legacy laser scanners:

  • LS 420HE/840HE/880HE
  • Photon 20/80/120
  • Focus 3D 20/120
  • Focus 3D S20/S120

Caution: Always comply with the laser safety guidelines printed in the user manual for the laser scanner

Electrical Safety

  • Do not open the housing: you can get hurt seriously, and damage the product, which will affect its warranty. Dangerous high voltages are present inside the enclosure. Only qualified service personnel should open the housing
  • Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or cause short circuits. This could result in a fire, electric shock, and damage to the product
  • This device is not intended for use in residential environments, and it cannot ensure a suitable degree of protection of radio reception in such environments
  • Do not immerse the scanner and its accessories into water. Liquid in the product enclosure can lead to damage, fire, or electric shocks
  • This product should be operated only from the power source or a battery supplied or recommended by FARO. Ensure that the specifications of the AC converter are met by your line voltage. If you do not know the power line voltage in your area, consult your local power company
  • To avoid electrical shock, use the power supply unit in dry indoor environments only
  • Do not use the scanner in the vicinity of strong magnetic or electrical fields

Mechanical Safety

  • The mirror unit rotates with high speed while scanning and for a short period after the scan. While the mirror is rotating keep your distance from the product and do not touch the rotating mirror unit with your hands, fingers, hair, clothing or any objects at the risk of personal injury and damage to the product
  • The scanner may only be used when set on a flat and stable surface. Injuries may result if the scanner overturns
  • Never try to grab the scanner if the tripod tips - grab the tripod instead
  • Only use equipment recommended by FARO, and follow FARO setup instructions
  • Do not open the housing: you can get hurt seriously, and damage the product, which will affect its warranty
  • If using a cart or tripod dolly, move the setup with special care. Never move the cart by pulling the power cables. Pushing or pulling the cart with too much force, sudden stops, or on an uneven surface can cause disturbances of the scanner’s normal functioning
  • The scanner will rotate clockwise up to 360 degrees when performing a scan. Ensure that the scanner head can rotate freely and will not hit any objects during the scan