Safety interlocks [1040.10(f)(2)] m

Safety interlocks [1040.10(f)(2)] may be required on any laser product. They must prevent human access to laser or collateral radiation that exceeds the limits of Class I and Table VI when a protective housing is opened during operation or maintenance, and human access to the interior radiation is not always necessary during such operation or maintenance. (Note that if the housing must be opened during operation and it is necessary to have access to the interior radiation, the level of the interior radiation must be considered when classifying the product, i.e., the classification is determined by the interior level, if it is higher than the exterior level. If the intermittent access to laser radiation occurs only during a maintenance procedure, it does not affect the Class of the product.) If access to the interior radiation is sometimes needed, the interlock may be defeatable and the housing must be so labeled. Safety interlocks need not prevent access to interior radiation otherwise accessible only during service. See Safety Interlock Requirements flow chart for clarification.