Overview
EN ISO 11553-2:2008 / ISO 11553-2:2007 - "Safety of machinery - Laser processing machines - Part 2" specifies safety requirements for hand‑held and hand‑operated laser processing devices. It focuses on identifying hazards specific to portable laser tools and on preventing personal injury through hazard analysis, risk assessment and protective measures. This European adoption by CEN aligns the standard with EU directives (e.g., 2006/42/EC) and is intended to be used together with ISO 11553-1 (general safety requirements).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Applies to laser processing devices where the laser output or workpiece is guided manually. Noise hazards are excluded (addressed separately).
- Hazard identification: Describes inherent hazards, hazards induced by external effects, and use‑related hazards (including confined spaces).
- Risk assessment: Requires systematic hazard analysis and documented risk evaluation to determine necessary controls.
- Protective measures and design: Specifies implementation of corrective measures during design and manufacture to reduce risks (mechanical, optical, electrical, interlocks, emergency stop, prevention of unexpected start‑up).
- Verification: Defines verification methods for safety requirements, including control category classification and laser classification in line with laser safety principles.
- User information and labelling: Requires clear instructions, safety information, and product labelling following ISO graphical symbol guidance.
- Normative references: Integrates related standards such as ISO 11553-1, ISO 12100, IEC 60825 series, ISO 13849, IEC 60204-1 and others for control systems, electrical safety and laser product classification.
- Type C standard status: As a type C standard (per ISO 12100-1), its provisions take precedence for machines within its scope.
Practical applications
- Designing and manufacturing hand‑held laser tools (cutting, welding, engraving) with compliant safety architectures.
- Conducting risk assessments, preparing user manuals, labels and safety documentation for CE marking and conformity with EU machinery directives.
- Implementing engineering controls (interlocks, guards, control categories) and verifying laser classification to reduce ocular and skin injury risk.
- Preparing safety training, maintenance procedures and workplace integration for portable laser devices.
Who should use this standard
- Laser equipment manufacturers and product designers
- Safety engineers and compliance officers responsible for CE conformity
- Test laboratories, notified bodies, and regulatory authorities
- End‑users, trainers and health & safety professionals evaluating portable laser tools
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 11553-2:2008, ISO 11553-2:2007, safety of machinery, hand‑held laser processing devices, laser safety, risk assessment, protective measures, laser processing machines.
