Restriction Zone (RZ) based on the HD

The HD depends on the amount of lumens produced by the projector and the type of lens installed. See chapter “HD in function of modifying optics”.

To protect untrained end users (as venue visitors, spectators) the installation shall comply with the following installation requirements: Operators shall control access to the beam within the hazard distance or install the product at a height that will prevent spectators' eyes from being in the hazard distance. Radiation levels in excess of the limits will not be permitted at any point less than 2.0 meter (SH) above any surface upon which persons other than operators, performers, or employees are permitted to stand or less than 1.0 meter (SW) lateral separation from any place where such persons are permitted to be. In environments where unrestrained behavior is reasonably foreseeable, the minimum separation height should be greater than or equal to 3.0 meter to prevent potential exposure, for example by an individual sitting on another individual's shoulders, within the HD.

These values are minimum values and are based on the guidance provided in IEC 62471-5:2015 section 6.6.3.5.

The installer and user must understand the risk and apply protective measures based upon the hazard distance as indicated on the label and in the user information. Installation method, separation height, barriers, detection system or other applicable control measure shall prevent hazardous eye access to the radiation within the hazard distance.

For example, projectors that have a HD greater than 1 m and emit light into an uncontrolled area where persons may be present should be positioned in accordance with “the fixed projector installation” parameters, resulting in a HD that does not extend into the audience area unless the beam is at least 2.0 meter above the floor level. In environments where unrestrained behavior is reasonably foreseeable, the minimum separation height should be greater than or equal to 3.0 meter to prevent potential exposure, for example by an individual sitting on another individual's shoulders, within the HD. Sufficiently large separation height may be achieved by mounting the image projector on the ceiling or through the use of physical barriers.

Based on national requirements, no person is allowed to enter the projected beam within the zone between the projection lens and the related hazard distance (HD). This shall be physically impossible by creating sufficient separation height or by placing barriers. The minimum separation height takes into account the surface upon which persons other than operator, performers or employees are permitted to stand.

On Image 1–3 a typical setup is displayed. It must be verified if these minimum requirements are met. If required a restricted zone (RZ) in the venue must be established. This can be done by using physical barrier, like a red rope as illustrated in Image 1–3.

The restricted area sticker can be replaced by a sticker with only the symbol.

USA market

For LIPs (Laser Illuminated Projectors) installed in the USA market other restriction zone conditions apply.

LIPs for installation in restrained environment (cinema theaters, business rooms, class rooms, museums ...) shall be installed at height vertically above the floor such that the bottom plane of the hazard distance zone shall be no lower than 2.5 meters above the floor. Horizontal clearance to the hazard distance zone shall be not less than 1 meter. Alternatively, in case the height of the separation barrier for the horizontal clearance is at least 1 meter high then the horizontal clearance (SW) can be reduced to:

• 0 meter if the height of the hazard zone is minimum 2.5 meter.
• 0.1 meter if the height of the hazard zone is minimum 2.4 meter.
• 0.6 meter if the height of the hazard zone is minimum 2.2 meter.

LIPs for installations in unrestrained environment (concerts, ...) shall be installed at a height vertically above the floor such that the bottom plane of the Hazard distance Zone shall be no lower than 3 meters above the floor. Horizontal clearance to the hazard distance zone shall be not less than 2.5 meters. Any human access horizontally to the Hazard Zone, if applicable, shall be restricted by barriers. If human access is possible in an unsupervised environment, the horizontal or vertical clearances shall be increased to prevent exposure to the hazard distance zone.

The LIP shall be installed by Barco or by a trained and Barco-authorized installer or shall only be transferred to laser light show variance holders. This is applicable for dealers and distributors since they may need to install the LIP (demo install) and/or they transfer (sell, rent, lease) the LIP. Dealers and distributors shall preserve sales and installation records for a period of 5 years. Variance holders may currently hold a variance for production of Class IIIB and IV laser light shows and/or for incorporating RG3 LIPs. Laser light show variance for RG3 LIPs can be requested by mailing the application to RadHealthCustomerService@fda.hhs.gov.

The installation checklist for laser illuminated RG3 projectors must be fully completed after the installation. The installation checklist can be downloaded from the Barco website. The installer shall preserve the checklist for a period of 5 years. A copy can remain on-site.

Install one or more readily accessible controls to immediately terminate LIP projection light. The power input at the projector side is considered as a reliable disconnect device. When required to switch off the projector, disconnect the power cord at the projector side. In case the power input at the projector side is not accessible (e.g. truss mount), the socket outlet supplying the projector shall be installed nearby the projector and be easily accessible, or a readily accessible general disconnect device shall be incorporated in the fixed wiring.