With regards photobiological safety testing, standards are changing. In the past, IEC 62471 applied to sources used in lighting applications (GLS) and everything else (non- GLS, UV lamps, IR lamps etc). GLS sources should be reported at the distance at which they produce 500 lux. This has led to many to set up long optical benches, but in fact there is no need to measure at that distance-measurements can be done closer then the results at 500 lux calculated.

Now there is a new IEC TR 62778 document published which is now being referenced by all lamp and luminaire standards. This considers blue light hazard only, so the measurement requirement is reduced.

Wth regards laboratory requirements, for both IEC 62471 and IEC TR 62778, the following is recommended:-

• The IDR300-PSL spectroradiometer requires a space ~1.5 x 1m, with ~2-3x 1m working space in front of the input port in which to locate input optics and sources under test.
• The controlling computer may be put on a space to the side of the system or another table.
• Mounting the IDR300 on an optical bench is not necessary, but you may find useful to have an optical bread board or bench on which to work.
• The TEL309 telescope is typically placed on top of the IDR300, whilst the D7 diffuser may mounted on a post located in the working space (M6 threaded hole provided), although the way that you actually set the input optics up depends on what you want to measure- area the source large or small for example. Could you please give further details?
• Ideally the bench would be in the middle of a room with at least 1m clearance from the walls all around the system to obviate the effect of reflected light (of concern only for irradiance measurements).
• Walls are traditionally painted matt black, offering a diffuse, low reflectivity in the visible (but not necessarily in the UV and IR).
• Temperature control of the room is good practice, typically at 20°C or 25°C. The components which are most temperature sensitive are the detectors, the long-wavelength response of which drifts with temperature.
• A standard desktop computer will suffice, Windows 7 or newer OS, 2 GB RAM, three USB 2.0 ports and Microsoft Word to export reports from PSL wizard. Software will be provided on CD although you could transfer the data to a USB flash drive.
• Four AC 220V (110V) mains sockets for the system are required.
• It would also be useful to have a cupboard/ other suitable location in which to house the various elements of the system that are not in use in the name of “good housekeeping”.