Are infra red illuminators eye safe?

Infra red lighting has become common place in providing illumination for surveillance systems. Manufacturers have developed better illuminators to provide greater range and have produced efficient optics for reducing visible illumination and enhancing the IR output. However little investigation into the harmful effects of infra red light has been carried out with reference to these illuminators, and hence no guidelines exist. The concern is focused on the fact that infra red light is not visible to the eye and hence the eye´s normal protection system is incapable of reacting to the energy. Damage effects are well understood with regard to infra red radiation in the context of hot object viewing, as in the steel and forging application. With this in mind the Security Equipment Assessment Laboratory has considered IR illuminators and their harmful effects. The paper presents an overview of the current knowledge base and draws conclusions and recommendations on safe working and design practices