Feb 21 2014
Intertek, a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, recently expanded capabilities for light measurement and testing in North America to enhance its industry-leading response time and capacity for LED and traditional lighting manufacturers.
On January 22, Intertek received Accredited Certification Body (CB) status for photobiological testing in its Cortland, New York, laboratory. This recent facility investment, along with existing capabilities in Lake Forest, California, strengthens the North American capacity of Intertek’s robust global network of laboratories conducting photobiological testing.
“It is important for manufacturers selling lighting to countries within the European Union to know that it is a mandatory requirement to comply with IEC/EN 62471 for products covered under the applicable directive,” said Carl Bloomfield, Global Director of Business Services for the lighting industry at Intertek. “The frequency at which LED lighting products change makes speed an important factor for manufacturers. In North America and worldwide, Intertek is committed to expanding our breadth of services to support manufacturers’ need to quickly launch new products in the global marketplace.”
Photobiological testing relates to the optical radiation effects of LED and traditional lighting on human eyes. As LEDs become widely used in many products, assessment of the unique “blue light” hazard is critical. Intertek testing to international standard IEC/EN 62471 enables manufacturers to assess light sources for potential photobiological hazards, giving consumers greater assurance of product safety.
Intertek recommends manufacturers considering export to European markets conduct a photobiological hazard effects assessment, as evaluation of LED photobiological hazards is a mandatory requirement to comply with the applicable European Directive. Conducting this assessment during the research and development or go-to-market phase of a new lighting product launch will strengthen a manufacturer’s competitive edge globally.
Because Intertek offers the widest range of lighting services, photobiological assessment can be done concurrently with testing to global safety and certification, performance, or energy efficiency standards. Intertek’s global footprint and leading capabilities clear a path for manufacturers to quickly develop and launch innovative new products.
About Intertek
Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance, and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes, and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 36,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity, and desirability in virtually any market worldwide.
Source: http://www.intertek.com/