ISO 19818-1:2021

Overview

ISO 19818-1:2021 - Eye and face protection - Protection against laser radiation (Part 1: Requirements and test methods) is an international standard developed by ISO in collaboration with IEC. It defines minimum requirements, test methods and marking for personal eye and face protectors intended to prevent accidental exposure to laser radiation in the wavelength range 180 nm to 1 mm. The standard covers protectors used during laser adjustment work and many medical procedures (except periorbital patient treatment, which is covered by ISO/TR 22463). Laser viewing windows and optical instruments for deliberate laser viewing are excluded.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Applicable to protectors for accidental exposure; wavelengths below 180 nm are absorbed in air and are excluded.
• Laser pulse/exposure categories: Defined pulse/exposure-duration classes (C = continuous, P = pulsed, S = short pulsed, U = ultra-short pulsed; combined use indicated by A).
• Optical density (OD): Spectral OD must be specified per wavelength or wavelength range. Rules for reporting OD values (decimal precision and rounding down to account for measurement uncertainty) are included.
• Resistance category (RC): Rating that specifies a protector’s ability to withstand specified irradiance or radiant exposure without loss of protective properties.
• Performance parameters: Requirements for luminous transmittance, transmittance to short pulses, dynamic protection, field of view and refractive power of filters.
• Construction and robustness: Mechanical and material requirements for frames and filters; optional and basic robustness tests.
• Environmental stability: Resistance to heat, humidity, ultraviolet exposure, and ignition by hot surfaces.
• Optical quality: Limits on material/surface defects and scattered light.
• Marking and manufacturer information: Mandatory marking syntax for protectors and required user instructions.
• Test methods: Referenced physical and optical test procedures (many test methods are given in the ISO 18526 series).

Applications and users

ISO 19818-1 is intended for manufacturers, testing laboratories, safety managers, procurement teams and occupational health professionals involved in:

• Designing and certifying laser safety eyewear and face shields
• Selecting appropriate laser protective filters for industrial and research environments
• Developing workplace laser-safety programs and PPE specifications
• Medical device manufacturers for patient-protective devices (except periorbital treatments)

Keywords: ISO 19818-1:2021, laser eye protection, laser safety eyewear, optical density, resistance category, test methods, marking.

Related standards

• ISO 4007 (vocabulary)
• ISO 16321 series (eye & face protection - general requirements)
• ISO 18526 series (test methods)
• ISO/TR 22463 (patient eye protection guidance)
• Regional and industry references: EN 207 / EN 208, ANSI Z136.7