Since 1 June 2019, only Class 1 laser pointers have been permitted for indoors pointing purposes in Switzerland. The import, possession and use of laser pointers classified as 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4 – as well as of unclassified or incorrectly labelled devices – are strictly prohibited (as per Articles 22 and 23 of the Ordinance to the Federal Act on Protection against the Risks associated with Non-Ionising Radiation and with Sound, O-NIRSA).

At CERN this prohibition is also applicable on the French part of the site.

In this context, and following several incidents where CERN staff or users were stopped by Swiss border guards while carrying prohibited laser pointers, we would like to remind everyone that permitted Class 1 laser pointers are now available for purchase at the CERN stores with SCEM code 54.21.50.001.7.

Please note that any non-compliant laser pointers must be disposed of as electronic waste after removing the batteries. They can be placed in one of the blue containers reserved for electronic equipment (see https://sce-dep.web.cern.ch/waste/what-goes-where).

If you have any questions, please contact: safety-laser-experts@cern.ch. See also the Laser Safety webpage: https://hse.cern/safety-risks/laser-safety