ERP laser order 2026: obligations and mandatory training

Full summary of the Order (Arrêté) of 18 June 2026: New regulations on lasers in ERPs

Background and objectives

Since 2009, the use of lasers in establishments open to the public (Établissements Recevant du Public, ERP) had been governed by Chapter 4 of the technical instruction on the use of special installations, which was itself based on:

• An obsolete version (2007) of the NF EN 60825-1 standard for laser classification.
• A simplified approach:
  • Classes 1 and 2: considered harmless.
  • Class 3: “potentially dangerous”.
  • Class 4: subject to “strict precautions”.

The new Order of 18 June 2026 (published in the JORF on 24/06/2026) thoroughly overhauls this framework, drawing on:

• The updated standards: NF EN 60825-1:2014 and NF EN 60825-1/A11:2021 (precise laser classification).
• Decree No. 2007-665 of 2 May 2007 (safety of laser equipment).
• Decree No. 2015-1083 of 27 August 2015 (making electrical equipment available on the market).
• Technical report IEC TR 60825-3:2022 (good practice for shows).

Main objective: To strengthen safety for the public, performers, staff and third parties (pedestrians, drivers, air traffic) by clarifying organisers’ obligations, updating laser classes, and imposing training and strict procedures.

Scope

The Order applies to all ERPs using lasers for lighting or artistic effects, whether:

• Indoors (concert halls, theatres, nightclubs, etc.).
• Outdoors (festivals, open-air events).

Who is concerned:

• Show organisers (overall responsibility).
• ERP operators (venues, public places).
• Laser technicians (installation, adjustment, supervision).
• Performers and staff (exposed to the beams).
• Safety commissions (approval of applications).
• Aviation/maritime authorities (for outdoor laser shots).

Updated definitions and classifications

1. Key definitions

Term	Definition
Laser device	Any device emitting or amplifying electromagnetic radiation in the optical spectrum (400–700 nm for lighting effects in ERPs).
Laser shot	Static, straight-line beam (as opposed to scanning).
Scanning radiation	Beam in constant motion.
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE / EMP)	Maximum level of radiation with no harmful effect on health.
Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD / DNRO)	Distance at which the radiation reaches the MPE. Key criterion for delimiting hazard zones.
Audience zone	Space up to 3 m above the floor and 2.5 m around the area occupied by the public.
Laser safety officer	Competent person appointed to assess and control laser hazards.

2. Laser classification (NF EN 60825-1:2014 standard)

The text abandons the old classification (1, 2, 3, 4) in favour of a finer granularity, with the classes as defined by the IEC/EN60825-1 standard and precise risk levels:

Class	Risk level	Use in ERPs	Specific obligations
1	Safe under normal conditions.	Permitted in the presence of the public.	No restriction (other than compliance with the MPE).
1M	Safe unless viewed through optical instruments (binoculars, etc.).	Permitted in the presence of the public.	Avoid optical instruments.
1C	Safe except in the event of direct contact with the eye.	Permitted in the presence of the public.	Protection against direct contact.
2	Safe for accidental exposure (blink reflex). Risk of dazzle.	Permitted in the presence of the public.	Prohibited in low light (risk to drivers).
2M	As class 2, but greater hazard with optical instruments.	Permitted in the presence of the public.	Prohibited in low light + avoid optical instruments.
3R	Radiation exceeding the MPE under direct viewing. Risk of injury low but present.	Permitted in the presence of the public if the NOHD is respected.	Mandatory training for staff within the NOHD.
3B	Dangerous under direct exposure (even brief) within the NOHD. Diffuse reflections generally safe.	Permitted under strict conditions (authorisation application, trained technician).	Authorisation application mandatory + trained technician present. Direct shots towards the audience prohibited.
4	Very dangerous: direct beam and diffuse reflections can cause injury.	Permitted under very strict conditions (application, technician, secured area).	Authorisation application mandatory + trained technician present. Direct shots towards the audience prohibited. Closed, secured housing.

Obligations for organisers

1. General responsibilities

Ensure that no one (public, staff, performers, third parties) is exposed to a level > MPE.

• Check that equipment complies with the NF EN 60825-1:2014 and NF EN 60825-1/A11:2021 standards.
• Ensure that class 3B and 4 lasers are operated by a competent, trained technician who is present at all times during the show.

2. Authorisation application (mandatory for classes 3B and 4)

The application must be submitted to the safety commission and include:

General information:

• Venue, nature, date and duration of the event.
• Name and address of the organiser.
• Locations and times of laser use.

Explanatory note (description of the planned laser effects).

Laser safety officer:

• Name and contact details of a competent person (validated training).

Technical note:

• Classes of the lasers used.
• NOHD for each device.
• Inherent protective measures of the equipment.

Safety measures:

• Evidence that no one will be exposed to a level > MPE.
• Plans and cross-sections of the installation (emission zone, position of people).

Compatibility with existing installations:

• Verification that the lasers do not impair the operation of other safety systems (fire detection, evacuation, etc.).

3. Installation and use rules

For all lasers (classes 1 to 4)

• Only lasers emitting in the visible spectrum (400–700 nm) are permitted for lighting effects in the presence of the public.
• Prohibition of “laser shots” (static beams) directed at people (public or staff).
• Non-reflective materials: use of matt surfaces (floor, walls, props) to avoid stray reflections.
• Closed, secured housing:
  • The device and its optical deflection system must be protected against movement (crowds, wind, vibration).
  • The beam may only exit through apertures that strictly limit its excursion.

For class 3B and 4 lasers

• Audience zone:
  • The beam must be out of reach of the public and untrained staff:
    • More than 3 m above the floor or
    • Protected by a safety perimeter with a 5 m radius.
• Inherent safety device:
  • Any laser with a scanning system must be fitted with an immediate shutdown device in the event of failure (loss of signal, scanning stop, power cut).
• Remote interlock connector mandatory for classes 3B and 4.

For performers and staff

• Treated as “untrained staff” by default.
• No access to the NOHD zone without specific training appropriate to the risks.
• Clothing and accessories:
  • Avoid reflective materials (clothing, jewellery, etc.) to limit accidental reflections.

Specific provisions for outdoor lasers

Outdoor laser shots are subject to additional rules to avoid risks to:

• Pedestrians, cyclists, drivers (dazzle, accidents).
• Local residents and occupants of neighbouring buildings.
• Air and maritime traffic.

General rules

• No external target (person, building, vehicle) may be exposed to a level > MPE.
• Compliance with the NOHD: no third party may be within the area delimited by the NOHD.

Technical constraints

• Laser shots limited to a 30° vertical cone (for omnidirectional shots).
• Fixed targets mandatory:
  • For any beam at an angle > 30° to the vertical, the beam must be directed onto a fixed, opaque, non-reflective target (A1 material).
  • If the beam is deflected, it must remain within a 15° cone around the axis of the beam at rest.

Additional application for the authorities

The authorisation application must include:

• Hazardous Exposure Zone (SZED): volume in which exposure > MPE.
• GPS coordinates of the emission point(s).
• Altitude of the emission point(s) (above sea level).
• Azimuth and maximum angles of the beams (lateral and vertical limits).
• Description of the movements of the beams (angular envelopes).

Opinion of the authorities

• The prefect seeks the opinion of:
  • The Direction de la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile (DSAC) for shots crossing airspace.
  • The maritime prefect for shots crossing navigable maritime areas.

Training: a strengthened obligation

The text explicitly requires training for several categories of people:

Audience	Obligation	Training content
Laser Safety Officer and Competent Person	Validated competencies (named in the authorisation application).	Hazard assessment and control, supervision of safety measures.
Laser technicians (classes 3B and 4)	Mandatory training + permanent presence during the show.	Risk control, adjustments, emergency stops, regulatory compliance.
Performers and staff (within the NOHD)	Specific training mandatory.	Awareness of eye hazards, behaviour in hazard zones, prevention of reflections.

Entry into force and application

• Date of entry into force: 25 June 2026 (the day after publication in the JORF).
• Application: Immediate for all new shows and events.
• Repealed texts: the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 2009 Order are replaced by the new Chapter IV.

Penalties and responsibilities

• Criminal liability of the organiser in the event of non-compliance (exposure to a level > MPE, no application, untrained technician).
• Refusal of authorisation for non-compliant shows (in particular no application for classes 3B/4 or no trained technician).
• Risk of administrative closure in the event of a proven danger to the public or third parties.

Comparison table: Old text (2009) vs. New text (2026)

Criterion	Old text (2009)	New text (2026)	Major changes
Regulatory basis	Order of 11 December 2009 + CEI 60825-1:2007 standard and NF EN 60825-1 (January 2008) + report CEI/TR 60825-3 (March 2008).	Order of 18 June 2026 + NF EN 60825-1:2014 standards, NF EN 60825-1/A11:2021, IEC TR 60825-3:2022.	Updated standards (more precise and recent classification).
Laser classification	4 classes (1, 2, 3, 4) with a simplified approach: – 1 and 2: safe under normal conditions. – 3: “potentially dangerous under certain conditions”. – 4: “strict precautions”.	8 classes (1, 1M, 1C, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B, 4) with detailed risk levels and MPE/NOHD criteria.	Finer granularity (distinction between 3R and 3B). Introduction of NOHD and MPE as key criteria.
Indoor use of lasers (ERP)	Classes 3 and 4: usable EXCLUSIVELY outdoors. Classes 1 and 2: permitted under the operator’s responsibility.	All classes may be used indoors, under strict conditions for 3B and 4 (authorisation application, trained technician, etc.).	Broader authorisation: classes 3B and 4 are no longer restricted to outdoor use.
Authorisation application	Mandatory only for outdoor shots (classes 3 and 4): – Submission 15 days before the event. – Content: venue, nature, date, laser classification, site plan with audience zone and safety distances, name of the person responsible. – Opinion of the aviation/maritime authorities if there is a risk to navigable space.	Mandatory for classes 3B and 4 (indoors and outdoors), with at least 10 elements: – Explanatory note, laser safety officer, technical note (NOHD, MPE), plans, safety measures, compatibility with existing installations. – Additional application for outdoor use: SZED, GPS, altitude, azimuth, description of movements.	Extension to indoor use and formalisation of procedures (standard application required).
Staff and performers	No explicit mention of training. Only the technician must be “competent and trained” for classes 3 and 4.	Performers treated as untrained staff by default. Mandatory training to access the NOHD zone (even for class 3R). Non-reflective clothing and accessories mandatory.	Legal training obligation for exposed staff (including performers).
Laser technician	Competent, trained technician mandatory for classes 3 and 4, present for the entire duration of the show and able to shut down immediately. No repairs or adjustments while the public is present.	Trained, competent technician mandatory for classes 3B and 4, present at all times during the show. Immediate shutdown device mandatory for scanning systems.	Increased responsibility of the technician (immediate shutdown in case of danger).
Outdoor lasers	Existing rules: – 30° vertical cone for omnidirectional shots. – Fixed, opaque, non-reflective targets (A1 material) for angles > 30°. – 15° cone if the beam is deflected. – Authorisation application with the opinion of the aviation/maritime authorities.	Stricter rules: – Same technical constraints (30° cone, fixed targets, etc.). – Additional application: SZED, GPS coordinates, altitude, azimuth, maximum angles, description of movements. – Systematic opinion of the aviation/maritime authorities.	More precise framework (additional technical data).
Technical safety measures	Existing requirements: – Prohibition of “laser shots” towards the public within the audience zone (defined as the space up to 3 m above the floor and 2.5 m around it). – Only scanning radiation permitted in this zone (in accordance with report CEI/TR 60825-3:2008). – Device out of the public’s reach: 3 m above the floor or protected by a 5 m perimeter. – Closed, secured housing (protection against crowd movement, wind, vibration). – Non-reflective materials (matt) to avoid stray reflections. – Compliance with report CEI/TR 60825-3:2008 for installation and adjustment. – Fire detectors: must be insensitive to laser effects or suitably adapted.	Precise, extended obligations: – Same requirements (ban on direct shots, closed housing, non-reflective materials). – Immediate shutdown device mandatory for scanning systems (new). – Remote interlock connector for classes 3B and 4 (new). – Audience zone: unchanged (3 m above the floor or 5 m perimeter). – NOHD: new criterion for delimiting hazard zones. – Compliance with the MPE: explicit obligation for all classes.	Greater precision: introduction of the NOHD and the MPE as objective criteria.
Entry into force	16 May 2010 (consolidated version of the Order of 11 December 2009). Repealed on 25 June 2026.	25 June 2026 (the day after publication in the JORF).	Update required to comply with the new standards.
Penalties	Not explicitly detailed in the text. General responsibility of the operator in the event of non-compliance.	Criminal liability of the organiser. Refusal of authorisation for non-compliant applications. Risk of administrative closure in the event of proven danger.	Stronger legal framework with clear penalties

Our training courses: compliant with the new regulatory requirements

At IL Academy, we anticipate regulatory changes to offer you certified training courses tailored to the new obligations of the Order of 18 June 2026.

Our expertise in laser safety enables us to offer tailor-made programmes covering all the requirements for:

• Technicians handling class 3B and 4 lasers.
• Performers and staff working in hazard zones (NOHD).
• Laser safety officers (RSL) named in authorisation applications.
• Organisers of shows and events.

Why choose IREPA LASER for your training?

• Guaranteed compliance: our training courses incorporate the latest NF EN 60825-1:2014 standards, NOHD, MPE and the requirements of report IEC TR 60825-3:2022.

• Practical approach: real-life exercises with class 3B and 4 equipment, simulated authorisation applications, and study of risk scenarios (reflections, dazzle, etc.).
• Recognised certification: training certificate valid for safety commissions and the competent authorities.
• Flexibility: on-site or remote training, adapted to your schedule and specific needs.

Don’t take any risks: with IREPA LASER, you are 100% compliant with current regulations and ready to obtain authorisation for your shows.

How to choose your training course

• Are you responsible for safety at an event? → PCSL (required to validate your authorisation application).
• Are you the laser safety officer at the show venue? -> RSL (permanent presence mandatory)
• Do you handle class 3B or 4 lasers? → PERL (required for compliance).
• Are you a performer or staff member exposed to the beams? → PISL (required to access the NOHD zone).

Conclusion: Why this reform?

The new text fills the gaps in the old 2009 framework, which was:

• Too vague (simplified classification, few details on safety measures).
• Outdated (based on a 2007 standard, whereas laser technologies have evolved).
• Not very binding (few references to training or authorisation applications).

The 2026 text brings:

• A precise classification of lasers (8 sub-classes instead of 4).
• Clear obligations for organisers, technicians and performers.
• Formalised procedures (authorisation applications, commission opinions).
• Stronger safety for the public, workers and third parties (air, sea, local residents).
• Greater accountability of all stakeholders (mandatory training, permanent presence of the technician).

Further information:

• Read the full Order (JORF)
• NF EN 60825-1:2014 standard
• Report IEC TR 60825-3:2022

Need tailored support?
Our team can offer you combined training courses or sessions tailored to your team and your equipment.

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