Product Code: JLA_6_2_97

Authors:
B. A. Tozer
Lasermet Ltd and City University, London, U.K.

This paper reviews the present state of the standards‐making process in Europe, explaining such arcane terms as ‘CEN’, ‘CENELEC’, ‘Euronorm’ and ‘directive’. Standards‐making bodies in Europe work to strict guidelines with regard to their relationship to member countries of the EEC and EFTA, and work closely with the international standards bodies, IEC and ISO, to minimize duplication of effort and to ensure minimum conflict with international standards. The current situation with regard to laser safety standards in Europe is reviewed, and the author speculates on some possible future developments.