DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

Food and Drug Administration

APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE 

FROM 21 CFR 1040.11(c) FOR A 

LASER LIGHT SHOW, DISPLAY, 

OR DEVICE

INSTRUCTIONS

Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0025 

Expiration Date: August 31, 2023 

See Page 4 for PRA Statement.

DOCKET NUMBER

NOTE: No laser light show, projection system, or device may vary from compliance with 21 CFR 1040.11(c) in design or use without the approval of this

application in accordance with 21 CFR 1010.4.

1. Check all applicable boxes, enter the requested information, and sign this form.

2. Enter docket number if assigned.

3. Submit this form, with the CDRH Variance Package Cover Sheet, and a laser 

light show report, by email to: RadHealthCustomerService@fda.hhs.gov.

4. For more information regarding this form and to find digital copies of the CDRH Variance 

cover letter checklist and the laser light show report form, visit our website: https://www.fda.

gov/radiation-emitting-products/home-business-and-entertainment-products/laser-light-shows.

1. NAME OF COMPANY

2. ADDRESS OF COMPANY (Include ZIP Code)(If P.O. Box is used, include actual street address also.)

3. NAME AND TITLE OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON 4.a. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

4.b. EMAIL ADDRESS 5. DATE OF SUBMISSION

6. THE APPLICANT REQUESTS THE VARIANCE TO BE IN EFFECT FOR A PERIOD OF YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. (In

general, the Agency will approve a variance for only two years. If a longer period is requested, a justification must be attached as part of the application.)

7. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USE

a. LIST NAME AND/OR MODEL NUMBER(S) FOR THE LASER LIGHT SHOW(S) AND PROJECTOR(S)

b. PRODUCT FOR WHICH A VARIANCE IS REQUESTED

A laser display device

A projector for a laser light show

A laser light show

Other (Specify)

c. PROJECTORS ARE INTENDED FOR SALE, LEASE, OR LOAN TO 

OTHER LASER LIGHT SHOW PRODUCERS

d. PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN A

Planetarium or other dome projection structure

Theater

Hotel/motel ballroom or meeting room

Store displays

Trade show or convention

Discotheque or night club

Pavilion

Indoor arena

Outdoor arena

Museum

Outdoor unenclosed area

Other (Specify)

e. PRODUCT IS INTENDED TO BE USED

At only one (Fixed) location

At a variety of (Tour) locations

Other (Specify)

f. PRODUCT IS INTENDED TO BE USED AT ANY ONE LOCATION

More than 15 days

More than 5 but not more than 15 days

Less than 5 days

g. TOUR IS INTENDED TO RUN FOR

More than 6 months

1 - 6 months

Less than one month

Not applicable (Not a tour)

Other (Specify)

h. PRODUCT UTILIZES THE FOLLOWING LASER EFFECTS

Front screen projections

Rear screen projections

Holographic displays

Multiple reflection/diffraction effects

Audience scanning (Also includes scanning any accessible

uncontrolled areas)

Reflections from stationary mirrors or mirrored 

surfaces (Beam Matrices)

Stationary irradiation of rotating mirror balls, etc.

Scanning irradiation of rotating mirror balls, etc.

Fiber optic projections

Fog, smoke, or other scattering enhancement effects

Other (Specify)

8. LASER RADIATION LEVELS 

LASER MEDIUM (Ar, He-Ne, etc.) WAVE LENGTHS (nm) PEAK POWER (watts)

9. IF ANY LASER RADIATION IS PULSED OR SCANNED, GIVE THE PULSE DURATION AND RATE AND SCANNING FREQUENCY AND AMPLITUDE

10. REASON FOR REQUESTING VARIANCE

Compliance with the limits of 21 CFR 1040.11(c) would restrict the intended use of the product because compliance would 

limit the output power to the extent that the desired effects would not be sufficiently visible

Other or additional explanation (Specify)

FORM FDA 3147 (12/20) PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE PAGE 1 OF 4 PAGES

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11. MANNER IN WHICH IT IS PROPOSED TO DEVIATE FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPLICABLE STANDARD

It is proposed to deviate from the provisions of 21 CFR 1040.11(c) in that the accessible emission level would exceed the 

accessible emission limits specified in 21 CFR 1040.11(c).

It is proposed to deviate from the provisions of 21 CFR 1040.11(c) as follows:

12. ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED FROM SUCH DEVIATION

Laser light shows and displays are accepted popular media in entertainment and the arts. Use of power levels in excess 

of the limits imposed by 21 CFR 1040.11(c) is necessary to achieve the required effects in these media.

Other or additional advantages (describe and explain).

a. All laser products, systems, shows, and projectors will be certified to comply with 21 CFR 1040.10 and the conditions of this variance and will be 

reported as required by 21 CFR 1002.10 AND 1002.11 using the reporting guides provided for such purpose. These actions will be 

accomplished prior to any introduction into commerce.

b. Effects not specifically indicated in this variance application will not be performed. No other effects will be added until an amendment to the 

variance has been obtained and the required reports or supplements, as applicable, have been submitted.

c. Scanning, projection, or reflection of laser and collateral radiation (Light show radiation) into audience or other accessible uncontrolled areas will 

not be permitted except for diffuse reflections produced by the atmosphere, added atmospheric scattering media, and target screens.

d. Laser radiation levels in excess of the limits of Class I will not be permitted at any point less than 3.0 meters above any surface upon which 

persons other than operators, performers, or employees are permitted to stand or 2.5 meters below or in lateral separation from any place 

where such persons are permitted to be. Operators, performers, and employees will not be required or allowed to view radiation above the limits 

of Class I or be exposed to radiation above the limits specified in 21 CFR 1040.11(c).

e. Any product which relies on scanning to meet access, exposure, or product class limits will incorporate a scanning safeguard system which 

directly senses scanner motion and which will react fast enough to preclude exceeding the applicable limit.

f. All laser light shows shall be under the direct and personal control of trained, competent operator(s). The operator(s) will:

(1) Be an employee of the variance holder who will be responsible for the training and the conduct of the operator;

(2) Be located where all beam paths can be directly observed at all times; and

(3) Immediately terminate the emission of light show radiation in the event of any unsafe condition; or, for outdoor shows, upon request 

by any air traffic control officials.

g. The maximum laser projector output power will not exceed the level required to obtain the intended effects.

h. The projection system (i.e., the projector and all other components used to produce the lighting effects) will be securely mounted or immobilized 

to prevent unintended movement or misalignment. Beam masking will be provided as an inherent part of the system design to prevent overfilling 

of screens, beam stops, targets, etc.

i. Laser projectors will not be delivered to any other party under an agreement of sale, lease, or loan unless and until the recipient demonstrates 

that they have a variance in effect at the time of delivery that permits them to produce laser light shows incorporating such projector(s).

j. In addition to the requirements of 21 CFR 1040.10(h), the manufacturer of laser projectors/systems will provide to parties who purchase, lease, 

or borrow the equipment, adequate users’ instructions for safe installation and operation which explain the responsibility of the recipient as an 

independent light show manufacturer to submit the required reports and apply for and obtain a variance from CDRH prior to introduction into 

commerce of any laser light shows.

k. The requirements of 21 CFR 1002.30(a)(1) and (2) will be accomplished through the use of written procedures for setup, alignment, testing, and 

performance of each show. These procedures will be in sufficient detail to ensure compliance with 21 CFR 1040.10, the conditions of this 

variance, and the control of access to radiation areas using the procedures described in the ANSIZ136.1 standard for the safe use of lasers 

(Laser Institute of America (LIA), 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128, Orlando, FL 32826) or any other equivalent user consensus standard and, 

where applicable, state or local requirements. Laser radiation areas which can contain radiation levels above the limits specified in 21 CFR 

1040.11(c) will be clearly identified by the posting of warning signs and/or restricting access through physical means (such as pressure switches, 

photo cells, barriers, guards, etc.). These requirements apply to temporary areas (such as during set up and alignment procedures) and to final 

or permanent areas. The variance holder will retain the records of these procedures and the results of all tests as required by 21 CFR 1002.31. A 

copy of the variance application, the approval letter, current procedures, and records relating to each particular show will be with the operator or 

other responsible individual and will be made available for inspection by FDA and other responsible authorities.

13. EXPLAIN THE ALTERNATE MEANS OF RADIATION PROTECTION TO BE PROVIDED. (Check as many boxes as apply. In item 14 "Remarks," justify

any boxes not checked, using additional sheets as necessary. State any other means of radiation protection that will be used.)

FORM FDA 3147 (12/20) PAGE 2 OF 4 PAGES
l. Advance written notification will be made as early as possible to appropriate federal, state, and local authorities providing show itinerary with 

dates and locations clearly and completely identified, and a basic description of the proposed effects including a statement of the maximum power 

output intended. Such notifications will be made, but not necessarily be limited, to:

(1) Information about particular laser shows will be maintained in the records for the show and will be provided upon request to the Center for 

Devices and Radiological Health, Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health, Division of Radiological Health, Magnetic Resonance 

Branch, Silver Spring, MD 20993. This information will provide the initial and closing dates for fixed installations and the itinerary for mobile 

shows. In addition, unless all aspects of each show have been reported and accession numbers clearly referenced, each notice will include 

detailed descriptions of each show and a listing of all effects to be performed in sufficient detail to confirm compliance with the regulations and 

this variance.

(2) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for any projections into open airspace at any time (i.e., including set up, alignment, rehearsals,

performances, etc.). If the FAA objects to any laser effects, the objections will be resolved and any conditions requested by FAA will be 

adhered to. If these conditions cannot be met, the objectionable effects will be deleted from the show.

(3) State and local radiation control offices/agencies for all shows to be performed within their jurisdictions. All requirements of state and local law 

will be satisfied and any objections raised by local authorities will be resolved or the effects deleted. (A list of federal and state offices is 

available from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health upon request.)

14. REMARKS

15. IF THE SUBMITTER IS DIFFERENT FROM THE APPLICANT, PLEASE ENTER THE FOLLOWING:

SUBMITTER NAME ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP CODE COUNTRY, IF NOT US

PHONE NUMBER EMAIL ADDRESS

CERTIFICATION

I CERTIFY that all of the above information and statements are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge and acknowledge that 

my variance application may be denied or my variance may be revoked if this application is found to be false, misleading or incorrect in any 

material way. I have submitted and will submit all reports required by 21 CFR 1002.10 and 1002.11 on the laser equipment and show(s). I further 

understand that I may be required by regulation or by the Director, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, to supply such other information 

as may be necessary to evaluate and act on this application.

16. APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE 17. NAME (Type or Print) 18. TITLE

FORM FDA 3147 (12/20) PAGE 3 OF 4 PAGES
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*

The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.5 hours per response, including the 

time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete 

and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect 

of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:

Department of Health and Human Services

Food and Drug Administration

Office of Operations

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff

PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov

“An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 

information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number.”

FORM FDA 3147 (12/20) PAGE 4 OF 4 PAGES