Issue Date: June 7, 1993
Issued by: Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Topic(s): Radiological Health
Status: Final
Beam Attenuators and Emission Indicators for Class II and IIIa Laser Systems (Laser Notice 43)
The 1985 amendments to the Federal Performance Standard for Laser Products gave the Director, Office of Compliance and Surveillance, Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) authority to approve, upon written application by the manufacturer, alternate means to accomplish the radiation protection provided by the beam attenuator (21 CFR 1040.10(f) (6) (ii)). This amendment recognized that for many laser products, a beam attenuator, usually a shutter, provides little if any improved safety, especially for laser system that have short beam.
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