Radiation & Laser Safety

Radiation safety for XRF & laser safety for LIBS

Handheld XRF uses X-rays, handheld LIBS uses a laser. Both are safe when used correctly – but require knowledge, organisation and clear rules.

Part 1 · Handheld XRF

Radiation protection for X-ray fluorescence

Handheld XRF (HHXRF) devices generate ionising X-rays for non-destructive material analysis – e.g. alloy identification, scrap sorting, PMI or coating analysis. Because X-rays are produced, they fall under the German Radiation Protection Act and Ordinance (StrlSchG, StrlSchV).

Licence requirement

Operating a handheld XRF requires a licence under § 12 (1) No. 4 StrlSchG. Before commissioning, the device must be notified to and licensed by the competent authority – depending on the federal state, e.g. the district government or trade supervisory office.

Expert inspection

Before first commissioning and every 5 years thereafter, an independent expert inspects the device: dose rate, dead-man switch, automatic shut-off, password protection, shielding condition and safety interlocks. The inspection report is a prerequisite for licensing.

Radiation protection responsible party (SSV)

Every company needs an SSV – usually the managing director or a person with overall organisational responsibility. They are responsible for legal compliance, suitable equipment, radiation protection organisation, appointing the safety officer and instructions. No formal radiation expertise is required for the SSV.

Radiation protection officer (SSB)

At least one SSB must be appointed in writing. They supervise day-to-day safe operation: safe use, instructions, monitoring of work areas, documentation of inspections and contact person for authorities. Required: radiation expertise, device training and personal reliability.

Device training & expertise

Device training covers hands-on instruction and is usually documented at delivery by the manufacturer or supplier. Formal expertise is acquired through an accredited radiation protection course – for handheld XRF usually module R2.2 – and must be refreshed every 5 years.

Safe operation

Never aim at people, keep a safe distance, use only trained personnel, instruct all users annually, perform regular visual and functional checks, and operate only in the intended mode. Measuring towards other persons or body parts is strictly prohibited.

Expertise per module R2.2 (Germany)

What is R2.2?

A course module under German radiation protection guidelines for operating X-ray equipment – relevant e.g. for X-ray fluorescence analysis. Contents: physics of X-rays, biological effects, dose limits, legal requirements, practical protection and fault response.

Who needs it?

For people to be appointed radiation protection officers for handheld XRF devices. Practical device training is acquired additionally, e.g. at delivery by the manufacturer.

How to obtain?

Through an accredited course (usually two days) with exam plus required practical experience. It must be refreshed every 5 years.

Documents for official recognition of the SSB

The radiation protection officer may only act officially after approval by the authority. Usually required:

–Criminal record certificate
–Proof of professional qualification
–Radiation expertise certificate
–Proof of device training
–Written appointment by the company

Recurring obligations

These measures keep the device permanently safe and legally compliant:

Measure	Interval
Expert inspection of the device	every 5 years
Refresher of radiation expertise	every 5 years
Instruction of all users	annually
Documentation of inspections	continuously
Checks of the device condition	regularly

Part 2 · Handheld LIBS

Laser safety for LIBS

Handheld LIBS spectrometers produce no ionising radiation and therefore do not fall under radiation protection law, but under laser safety regulations. As portable LIBS devices typically use pulsed class 3B lasers, the German ordinance on artificial optical radiation (OStrV) applies.

Laser safety officer (LSB)

Under § 5 OStrV, the company must appoint a qualified laser safety officer in writing before first commissioning. Competence must be proven by successfully completing a corresponding training course.

Risk assessment

Before use, the employer must carry out a comprehensive workplace risk assessment under § 3 OStrV. The specific risks from direct or reflected laser radiation must be identified and documented in writing.

Instruction

All persons operating the handheld LIBS device must be instructed on the hazards and safety measures of laser radiation before first use and at least once a year thereafter.

Notification & PPE

Operation of class 3B laser equipment should be notified in advance to the competent occupational safety authority (e.g. trade supervisory office) and the employers' liability insurance association. Depending on the risk assessment and built-in safety mechanisms, suitable laser safety eyewear may be mandatory.

Class 3B device – operated under “class 1 conditions”

A laser safety officer cannot legally change the manufacturer's classification under DIN EN 60825-1 (e.g. class 3B) – the device class remains permanently. However, SciAps devices such as the Z-900 series use an integrated sample detection system (contact sensors): the high-energy class 3B laser only fires when the measuring nose lies completely flat on a sample. If the device is lifted, the laser stops immediately (safety interlock).

Practical relief in operation

If the LSB documents in the risk assessment that no accessible laser radiation is present in normal operation (thanks to the contact sensors), many strict requirements are waived: usually no laser safety eyewear for operator and bystanders (provided the sample seals tightly) and no cordoned-off laser area or laser cabin.

What remains mandatory

Since the device legally remains a class 3B product, the organisational minimum requirements of the OStrV still apply: a laser safety officer appointed in writing, annual instruction of employees specifically for this device, and formal notification to the employers' liability insurance association and the competent occupational safety authority.

Practical rules

Only fire with the head flat on the sample, never look into the optics, keep bystanders away, mind reflective surfaces, avoid inhaling fumes.

Laser classes

Handheld LIBS devices use pulsed lasers. The laser class (often 3B) defines the required measures – the manufacturer's rating under DIN EN 60825-1 applies.

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Note

This page is general information and does not replace legal advice, certified training or consultation with the competent authority. Current legal requirements and manufacturer data apply.

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