A protective housing [1040.10(f)(1)

A protective housing [1040.10(f)(1)] is required for all laser products. The protective housing must prevent human access to laser radiation in excess of the limits of Class I (and collateral radiation in excess of the collateral radiation limits) at all places and times where and when such human access is not necessary in order for the product to accomplish its intended function. In essence, this requirement means that the product must be of the lowest possible Class. The manufacturer must be prepared to justify the necessity of human access to laser radiation greater than Class I limits. If the purpose of the laser system is to generate a laser beam, the justification is self-evident. In other cases, a detailed analysis may be required. Generally, a protective housing must be contiguous. The most common difficulties with protective housings have been human access to laser radiation through cooling vents or through a poor fit between sections of a protective housing. A protective housing must be sturdy enough to prevent access caused by bending or warping as the product ages.