Your Dusty laser tracker (the AT500 or AT930) uses a low-power laser to track the FieldPrinter and record points. This article explains the laser's safety class, what that means for your eyes, and the precautions to take on the jobsite. It covers the same information whether people call it the laser tracker, total station, or "the tracker."

Laser class

The laser tracker is classified as a Class 2 laser product in accordance with IEC 60825-1 (2014-05) — the international standard for the safety of laser products.

Why Class 2, when the individual beams are Class 1. The tracker contains more than one laser source, and each source on its own is rated the lower-risk Class 1. Because the sources can emit at the same time, the system as a whole is rated Class 2.

What Class 2 means for your eyes

Class 2 laser products are not inherently safe to stare into, but the risk in normal use is low:

• They are safe for momentary exposure — a brief, accidental glance into the beam is not harmful.
• Deliberately staring into the beam can be hazardous. Prolonged exposure may cause dazzle, flash-blindness, or afterimages, especially in low light.

Do you need safety glasses or warning signs?

No — not for the laser, when the tracker is used as directed. Under IEC TR 60825-14 (2004-02), products rated Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3R do not require a laser safety officer, protective eyewear, or laser warning signs, because of the low eye-hazard level.

Important: National and local regulations can be stricter than the IEC standard. Follow your site's safety plan and any local rules if they require more.