Laser Safety FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

No! In Germany, no TÜV approval is normally required for laser shows. In addition, in such a case it is also a matter of an approval by an expert, which is completely independent of the TÜV (the TÜV is only one of many providers). In rare cases, operators of an event hall or similar would like to have an expert approval carried out. However, this is rarely the case, as the benefits are usually questionable.


Do I have to report a laser show to an authority?

The question often arises as to where you have to report a laser show in Germany. There are various, very different statements circulating about this and many of them were correct a long time ago, but are now outdated: With the publication of the OStrV and the clarification of the content details in the TROS, it has been made clearer, even in the latest updates:

In Germany, the notification of a laser show to an authority is generally NOT required!


There are two exceptions to this:

the TROS in its July 2018 edition, Part 3 describes in 4.5.1, Note: "When using show lasers, in LiDAR applications or other outdoor laser equipment where a hazard to air traffic is possible, notification of the operation to the local air traffic control authority is required in accordance with the Air Traffic Regulations."

The second exception is when the laser radiation "leaves the company premises" (TROS General Section, 1 (3)): here "[...] any necessary authorisations must be obtained from the responsible authorities (e.g. police, public order office, aviation authority)."

However, specific enquiries to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) also come to the same conclusion (25 April 2019): "[...] It is sufficient if you include the relevant laser device in a risk assessment. If you are still unsure, you can contact the local labour inspectorate. [..] "
It is therefore the case that the risk assessment plays a central role in relation to the safety assessment of laser shows. It is therefore generally NOT necessary to notify or even register a laser show with an authority in Germany. Nevertheless, it makes sense to inform your own insurance provider (liability insurance) about the general use of laser systems and to take their possible requirements into account. The reference to the MVStättVO (2014 revision) for laser shows is still correct for referring to the relevance of "occupational health and safety regulations" and then also leads directly to the OStrV in conjunction with the TROS as a basic requirement.

Laser safety officer in an important role

In any case, the role of the laser safety officer is important: Since the latest TROS, General Section, of July 2018, it has been clearly defined that laser safety officers must refresh their knowledge through training at least every 5 years (see: TROS general part 5.1 (2) )