An international manufacturing standard and user guidance for medical lasers have been available for some years. Particularly in the aesthetic sector, intense light sources are being used in place of lasers. This is seen as an option with less regulation in some countries.
Working Group 4 of the International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 76 has drafted a manufacturing standard: IEC 60601-2-57: Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-57: Particular requirements for the safety and essential performance of non-laser light source equipment intended for therapeutic, diagnostic, monitoring and cosmetic/aesthetic use. The objectives and requirements of this draft standard will be outlined.
To support users of intense lights in these sectors, a user’s guide has been prepared for discussion: Safety of intense light source equipment – Guidelines for the safe use of intense light source equipment on humans and animals. This parallels IEC TR 60825-8 for medical laser use.