What Safety Gate found
German authorities identified that these blue laser safety glasses, sold via online marketplaces like eBay, do not provide the level of protection claimed by the manufacturer. This failure to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation poses a serious risk of retinal damage and vision impairment to users.
Why this matters
Laser safety glasses are a vital barrier between the user and stray or reflected laser radiation in a Class 3B or Class 4 laser environment. If glasses do not meet optical density (OD) ratings for the specific wavelength of the laser, they provide a false sense of security while leaving the eyes vulnerable to permanent damage.
What buyers should check
- Verification of Protection: Ensure any laser safety equipment is marked with the appropriate EN 207/208 standards and the specific wavelengths (nanometers) and protection levels it covers.
- Source Reliability: Avoid purchasing safety-critical personal protective equipment from unverified online retailers.
- Documentation: Always request the EU Declaration of Conformity and relevant test certificates from the supplier before purchase.
Official source
Safety Gate Reference: A12/01566/21 https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10004665
European Commission Safety Gate
Alert A12/01566/21. Open the Commission record to inspect the source information directly.
Open official alert