SuperK VARIA
Laser Safety, Handling, andRegulatory Information
MUST READ: Never operate any laser with the laser accessory until
you have thoroughly read this document and the accessories
operation guides. Class 4 lasers are dangerous and has the potential
to cause damage and injury. Considering this, ensure that you take all
precautions possible, including being fully familiar with and following
all the safety recommendations listed here.

Manufacturing

Laser Classification

A SuperK VARIA is not a laser source in its own. However, whenconnected to a SuperK EVO, EXTREME or FIANIUM laser system its
output constitutes a Class 4 laser following the classification of its laser
source. Refer also to the appropriate SuperK laser safety, handlingand regulatory information document for more information about thesafety issues and always employ all necessary safety precautions.

LASER
APERTURE

Laser radiation warning

When a SuperK VARIA is connected to a SuperK EVO, EXTREME orFIANIUM laser system, its output constitutes a Class 4 laser and must
therefore be regarded as a potential hazard to an operator.
When the SuperK VARIA is connected to a SuperK EVO, EXTREME orFIANIUM laser system, its output constitutes a Class 4 laser and must
therefore be regarded as a potential hazard to the operator.

Warnings

This laser accessory is classified as a Class 4 laser product as per theIEC/EN 60825-1:2014 laser safety standard and complies with IEC
61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment formeasurement, control, and laboratory use. All compliances are listed
under “Regulatory Compliance” on page 2.

Warning: This laser accessory is a Class 4 laser product and theoperation room and operation conditions must comply with CFR211040.10, Laser Notice LN50, & IEC / EN 60825-1. If these regulations
are not followed you must operate the laser in accordance with local
regulations for a Class 4 laser source.

Intended Use

Warning: Using controls, making adjustments, or altering theprocedures other than those specified by the guides associated withthis laser may result in exposure to hazardous radiation and/orvoltages.

The laser accessory has been designed for general laboratory orindustrial use and as such are not approved nor tested for use intreatment or diagnostics of human or animals and does not comply
with European, US or rest of the World requirements for medical
device lasers. Neither is the system appropriate for outdoor use or use
in extreme conditions such as elevated/lowered temperatures,
particle/chemical contaminated environment or vacuum conditions.

Warning: This device emits a Class 4 laser beam from free space
apertures on the side panels of the accessory. Both a laser apertureand a radiation warning label is affixed at or near any emission
aperture. To prevent injury, the beam path must be strictly controlled.

Laser Safety Officer

Warning: Using this equipment in a manner not specified by themanufacturer may impair the protection capabilities of the equipment.

The laser accessory should only be used by staff familiar with laser
safety procedures and in facilities appropriate for laser operation.
NKTP recommends appointing a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) in
accordance with valid local and national safety regulations. The LSO
should ensure that every user of the system is familiar with the safety
aspects of the accessory and that the accessory’s operation
documents should be clear and present to operators of the accessory.
Furthermore, any other staff in close proximity of the laser accessory
should be aware of any risk in connection with usage of the unit.

Warning: At all times the laser is on, it is advised that you have clear
access to the shut-off controls of the associated SuperK laser usedwith the accessory. The accessory includes shut-off controls that are
manually operated shutters in proximity of the output apertures.
Warning: At all times during system operation, ensure that the beam
path is known and controlled. Wear wavelength specific eye and skinprotection and ensure everyone in the laser area is aware that thesystem is in operation. Ensure that remote interlock is in place.

Safety Labels

Warning: The laser accessory and associated laser should only beoperated by authorized users who are properly trained in theappropriate safety aspects and of statutory minimum age. To prevent
unauthorized and likely unsafe operation by untrained personnel,
remove the front panel key from the key switch (from the SuperK laser)when the laser is not in use. Store the key in a secure location.

The following labels are fixed to the device chassis. For safe
operations of this laser, you must be aware of the location and themeaning of each label. Refer to the laser’s Product Guide for further
information on the labels and their location.

Warning: It is not recommended that you operate the accessory andassociated laser without an appropriate interlock connection to e.g. adoor or other entry mechanism to the system enclosure. If you bypass
this safety feature, NKT Photonics bears no responsibility for any
damage, loss or harm caused by accidental laser exposure.

Classification

ITEM 800-615-02

Laser aperture

Warning: Never make any modifications, additions or conversionswhich might affect safety. This also applies to the installation andadjustment of safety devices. Should safety relevant modifications oroperational behavior changes occur with the laser, stop the laser
device immediately and report the malfunction to NKT Photonics A/S.

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SuperK VARIA SHRI Revision 1.0 04-2021 W-10456

SuperK VARIA
Laser Safety, Handling, and Regulatory Information
requirements of the Council Directive 2014/30/EU in approximation of
the laws of the Member States relating to safe design, use andimplementation of lasers, electromagnetic compatibility and the safetyof electrical equipment used within certain voltage limits. To evaluate
the compliance with these directives, the following standards wereapplied:Damage Prevention
Caution: If the accessory emission’s full or partial beam is obstructed
or guided towards flammable materials, it can ignite a fire. Flammablematerials include paper, solvents or other similar combustible material.
Keep the beam path free from any combustible material and keep afire extinguisher nearby the laser operation area.

Safety:Caution: Avoid spilling fluid onto the accessory chassis and laser
source. If spillage occurs, remove it immediately using absorbent
material. Do not allow spilled fluid to enter into the chassis.

•BS EN 60825-1:2014 (laser Class 4) Safety of laser products - Part1: Equipment classification and requirements•

BS EN 61010-1:2010 Safety requirements for electrical equipment
for measurement, control, and laboratory use - Part 1: general
requirements

Caution: Avoid spilling fluid onto the electrical system. Place the laser
so that in the event of a spillage, the electrical sockets’ exposure isminimized.

Immunity:

Caution: Always clean the surface of the equipment with a dry cloth ortissue only. Disconnect the power supply before cleaning the unit.

BS EN 61326-1:2013 Electrical equipment for measurement, controland laboratory use – EMC requirements

Caution: Protective Equipment

CE Approval

The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and IEC certificates can be
downloaded from:• Laser Safety Officers are also responsible for the issuing and/or
wearing of personal protective equipment. Direct exposure of theeye to the invisible laser beam must be avoided. At all times, proper
eye-wear must be worn and maintained according to PersonalProtection Equipment at Work regulations.

https://www.nktphotonics.com/lasers-fibers/support/certificatesand-approvals• Compulsory regulations also require the issuing and/or wearing of
personal protective equipment. The necessity of reading the laser’s
documentation applies especially to persons working only
occasionally with the laser.

Safety Instructions Governing SpecificOperational Phases• Use protective equipment, wherever required by the circumstancesor by law.

Precautions

Take the necessary precautions to ensure that the laser accessory isused only when in a safe and reliable state. In the event ofmalfunctions, disable the laser accessory device immediately andunplug its electrical power. Have any defects rectified immediately.

Caution: Servicing the Laser:• There are no user serviceable components inside the accessory. In
case of malfunction, NKT Photonics should be consulted.

Before starting the laser, prepare a site specific Risk Assessment toensure no persons are at risk. Inform operating personnel before
beginning special operations, and appoint a person to supervise theactivities. Ensure that the user operation area is adequately secured.

• The unit is sealed with a “WARRANTY VOID IF REMOVED” label andit is thus strictly prohibited to remove the chassis cover.
Caution: Storage:

Specific Safety Aspects• If required, the accessory should be stored in a dry and cool place(15-20°C).

Specific safety aspects are:

• The optical output should be protected using the shutters of theoutput apertures.

•Physical hazards related to the system. See the following
section: Physical Hazards.

• Avoid exposing the unit to vibrations or mechanical shock.

•Protection of the system users against physical hazards. SeeSection Personnel Safety.

•Proactive measures against these hazards. See the following
section: Constructive Safety Features.

Caution: Chassis Cleaning• To clean the chassis, disconnect the power source and use a softand damp cloth. Do not use solvents or similar cleaning agents on
the chassis or any other parts of the laser.

Within this classification, the laser accessory is a Class 4 laser, and isa potential hazard to the human operator. The Class 4 laser beam isalso classified as a potential fire hazard. Direct radiation from Class 4products are a hazard to eyes and skin. Precautions include eye andskin protection, remote interlocks and warning labels.

Caution: Emergency Response:• In the event of an emergency or accident, make sure to have acontingency plan prepared and readily available including response
actions and contact persons.

Physical Hazards

Warning: The laser beam is dangerous to the eyes and skin. Thedangers include:

Caution: Disposal• When disposing the accessory, follow local waste regulations.

Regulatory Compliance
CE Mark – Declaration of Conformance for EMI andSafety (EEC)•Direct radiation as it leaves the laser.

•Radiation reflected from a surface.

•Diffused radiation originated from a scattered reflection.

LightIn case of exposure, the laser accessory may provide laser radiation
with power levels up to the source output wattage. The laser

The laser accessories listed in this document comply with the2SuperK VARIA
Laser Safety, Handling, and Regulatory Information
adequate precautions to prevent unauthorized personnel fromentering the area where a Class 4 laser is operating. Do not use laser
devices around untrained personnel. Ensure that all personnel in thearea observe proper safety precautions.

accessory’s emission consists of a wide band of wavelengths from
300 to 3000 nm. The output is a collimated beam from the output
aperture on the collimator. Despite the non-ionizing nature of theoperating wavelengths, damage can still occur to living tissue as aresult of heat produced during radiation absorption or via multi-photonabsorption. Suitable beam dumps must be used at all times when thelaser and this accessory is operating.

Report all incidents of exposure to your supervisor.
Clearly display warning signs indicating the laser enclosed area withan additional warning light outside the door.

In general, the maximum permissible radiation exposure for the skin isseveral times greater than for the eye. Safety measures with regard to
the radiation hazard are therefore mainly focused on dangers for theeye. Not only is the direct laser beam hazardous, but uncheckedreflections of laser light also constitutes a potential hazard.

Adhere to local and national regulations governing the safe use oflasers.
Be aware that maintenance of eyewear includes, but not limited to:inspection, cleaning, testing and training in use. Maintenance should
only be performed by competent personnel.

Personnel Safety
Personnel Protection

Skin Protection

Warning:

Warning:

Risk of serious injury: Always wear wavelength specific laser safety
glasses when there is a chance of exposure to radiation from the laser.
The filter in protective eyewear provides protection for only a narrow
band of wavelengths. Ensure you are wearing the appropriate
protective eyewear for the laser device in question. Check with yourLaser Safety Officer or other safety personnel for guidance in selecting
the appropriate eyewear.

Potential skin burns: if the laser beam is kept motionless for a long
period it can burn exposed skin. Only use the laser accessory inaccordance with its designated use. Safety interlocks are only to beoverruled by authorized personnel.
Although the skin can withstand considerably higher radiation
intensity than the eyes, tissue may be burned to a greater or lesser
degree, depending on the radiation time and the irradiation intensity.

For protective eyewear, the American National Standards Institute(ANSI) standard for the safe use of lasers requires that a set ofprotective eyewear blocking the appropriate laser wavelength should
be worn while operating or servicing Class 4 lasers.

Avoid contact between the skin and the beam. Reflections of thebeam may be as dangerous as the beam itself. Wear appropriate
protective clothing to protect the skin whenever necessary.

Clearly label safety eyewear with their optical density and their
specified wavelength protection. To avoid confusion, laser safety
eyewear should be kept separate from any other safety eyewear andpersonal protective equipment.

Fire Protection
Warning:
Fire hazards: Class 4 lasers and their accessories are potential firehazards. The laser beam can cause flammable materials to ignite orexplode. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the laser area in case a fireoccurs.

Using the wrong type of safety eyewear is dangerous. It can be moredangerous to have improper eyewear and a false sense of security
than to have no eyewear and take precautions based on the absenceof protection. Even if you are wearing protective eyewear, never lookdirectly into the beam; intense laser radiation is capable of destroying
the protective filter.

Because of the high output power from the Class 4 laser, a wide rangeof materials can be set on fire. Therefore, take appropriate fire
prevention measures when the beam path is open:

Eye Protection

Combustible materials may be ignited by the laser beam or byelectrical components inside the laser system. Flammable items mustbe isolated from the laser beam and from the laser system.

Warning: Warning:
Potential eye burns: Only use the laser accessory in accordance withits designated use.

Paper (circuit diagrams, leaflets, or even posters on the wall), curtains
that are not coated with fire retardant, wooden panels or similarmaterials can be easily set on fire by direct or reflected laser radiation.

The following guidelines describe some of the actions necessary to
avoid injury caused by the laser beam. Always follow these guidelines
and take additional precautions if necessary.

Use only beam stops made of non-flammable materials (notasbestos!).

When eyewear is necessary, make sure it has the proper opticaldensity for the laser wavelength.

Many fluids and solvents (e.g. cleaning agents used for maintenance)
are combustible. The intense beam of the laser can ignite vapors fromthese materials. Prevent the laser beam from contacting flammablematerials used in the laser area.

All other personnel in the vicinity of the laser accessory must wear
protective eyewear.
Permit only qualified personnel to operate the accessory and its
associated laser.

Move containers of flammable materials as far from the laser system
as possible and shield them from the beam with opaque materials.
Never place these solutions and vapors in the beam path or near thesystem.

Never look directly into any laser beam.
Avoid indirect viewing of direct or reflected laser radiation. Specularand diffuse reflections (from reflective surfaces) can be as dangerous
as the direct laser beam. Never view the beam directly through optical
instruments.

Constructive Safety Features
Safety Features

Take precautions to ensure that there are no reflecting objects in thepath of the laser beam.

Appropriate Class 4 label affixed to the laser device enclosure (seesection Labeling).

Do not deviate from standard operating procedures when working
with class 3B and Class 4 laser equipment.

All parts of the laser where laser radiation may possibly escape aremarked with the appropriate adhesive danger signs (according to IEC60825).

Use laser devices only in approved applications and locations. Take3

SuperK VARIA
Laser Safety, Handling, and Regulatory Information
The laser accessory has an emission indicator LED fitted that indicateslaser energy is present or can be accessed.
The laser accessory is equipped with a safety interlock system. In caseof an emergency, the laser source can be fully switched off (no laseremission) by pulling the interlock line.
Quality Compliance List
All NKT Photonics products are produced under our quality
management system certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 andin some cases, also in accordance with ISO 13485:2016.

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