US FDA to Propose Rule for Children's Toy Laser Safety

FAIRFIELD, N.J. - Sept. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Laser Toy Labeling of Hazard Classes

The FDA recognizes four major hazard classes (I to IV) of lasers, including three subclasses (IIa, IIIa, and IIIb).  The higher the class, the more powerful the laser and the greater the potential to pose serious danger if used improperly.

Under this proposed rule, designation of proper labeling with statements indicating compliance with 21 CFR Subchapter J on the label is highly encouraged.

Safety Hazards of Children’s Laser Toys

The highly-concentrated light emitted from lasers, even those in toy laser products, can be dangerous resulting in serious eye injuries and even blindness, not just to the person using a laser, but to anyone within range of the laser beam when operated unsafely or without certain controls. For laser toys to pose minimum risk to users, the levels of laser radiation or light output must not exceed the emission levels for Class I as defined in the Federal Performance Standard for Laser Products or for Class 1 as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Draft Guidance for Children’s Toy Laser Safety

Although most children’s toy laser products would meet the definition of “demonstration laser products” or “surveying, leveling, and alignment laser products” specified in the US Code of Federal Regulations at 21 CFR 1040.10(b)(13) and (39), and thus have to comply with the limits at 21 CFR 1040.11(b) or (c), at present FDA regulations do not specifically address children’s toy laser products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is particularly concerned about the potential danger to children and those around them, and has issued a draft guidance document (http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuid...) on the safety of toy laser products.  For purposes of this guidance, “children’s toy laser product” means a product that is manufactured, designed, intended or promoted for use by children under 14 years of age and they are covered under the scope of this guidance document.

Following are examples of children’s toy laser products included in the guidance document:

- Lasers mounted on toy guns that can be used for “aiming”;
- Spinning tops that project laser beams while they spin;
- Hand held lasers used during play as “light sabers”;
- Dancing laser beams projected from a stationary column; and
- Lasers intended for entertainment that create optical effects in an open room.

Manufacturers of laser products are responsible for compliance with all applicable requirements of Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (Subchapter J, Radiological Health) Parts 1000 through 1005.
In addition, laser products must comply with radiation safety performance standards in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (Subchapter J, Radiological Health) Parts 1010 and 1040.

About SGS Services for Toys and Juvenile Products

SGS is committed to providing information about developments in the regulations for consumer products as a complimentary service. Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a wide range of services including electromechanical testing and electrical safety certification (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juve...), analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SGS experts for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Ali Karimi
Technical Manager, Toys - Hardgoods
291 Fairfield AVE
Fairfield, New Jersey 07004
USA

t: + 973-461-7928
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juve...

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