Laser performances
A permit from the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) is required for the use of a powerful laser device.
The use of a powerful laser device (laser classes 3B and 4) as a lighting effect, in an advertisement, in an artwork or in another similar performance or game shall be licenced by STUK if the public can be present at the place where the device is used or in a room where lasers are used. The licence is granted if the equipment used meets the requirements and if the activities may be carried out safely. STUK may include licence conditions deemed necessary for ensuring safety, such as an initial installation inspection.
More detailed provisions on the information presented in the licence application are included in the Ra-diation and Nuclear Safety Authority's regulation on the use of powerful laser devices (STUK S/10/2021) issued under the Radiation Act.
Radiation act chapter 19 Non-ionizing radiation
The licence application shall include information on the applicant and on the laser equipment and its intended use. The application shall indicate whether a fixed-term or indefinite licence is applied for, whether the device is installed permanently in a single location or if it is intended to be moved from one location to another, whether the lasers are used indoors or outdoors, and whether the laser beams are intended to be directed to the sky or into the audience. A risk assessment shall be carried out for the activities to assess the risks and potential radiation safety deviations associated with the use of powerful laser equipment and the resulting potential exposure. In addition, measures to prevent radiation safety deviations and a plan for them shall be presented.
The application for a licence shall identify the person(s) responsible for the use of the laser and the de-tails of their training and experience in laser safety.
The aim is to process the applications within 30 days. The licence and the inspection related to the licence matter are subject to a fee, and the fees charged for them are laid down in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree on fees charged for the work performed by STUK. Provisions on the licence are included in the Radiation
Ministry of Social Affairs and health Decree on fees charged for the work performed by STUK (In Finnish)
Radiation Act
The license holder must notify the use of the laser five days before the intended time of use. The information to be notified is given in STUK Order STUK S/10/2021.
In accordance with the Aviation Act, an operator planning outdoor laser operations shall notify Fintraffic Lennonvarmistus Oy of the intended laser activity, and the company will assess the impact of the laser activity on air traffic. Fintraffic Lennonvarmistus Oy will issue a statement at the customer's request. The notification shall be submitted to Fintraffic Lennonvarmistus Oy ten weeks before the planned use of the laser equipment.
In accordance with the Radiation Act, the operator shall ensure that the self-monitoring of the use of powerful laser equipment is arranged adequately in relation to the nature and extent of the activities. Provisions on the area protected by exposure limit values and the need to measure laser radiation in this area are set in the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority's regulation.
A manual has been written for the use of powerful laser devices in public performances. It describes the requirements for the use of the laser, the procedure for applying for a license and notifying on the use of the laser in more detail.
Use of high-power laser equipment in public events (pdf)
Forms for a licence application and notification on the use of powerful laser devices
The application for a permit and the notification of the use of laser equipment can be made using formbox forms.
Apply for a new laser licence or a change to a valid licence in the STUK form service
Submit a notification on the use of the laser in the STUK form service
The forms are filled without logging in and cannot be saved for later completion. A PDF copy of the application may be saved for personal use before submitting the form to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The browsers supported by the form service include Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari (version 9+). The user should allow JavaScript and cookies. If the STUK form service is not available, the forms may be sent by post to the following address: Säteilyturvakeskus, Jokiniemenkuja 1, 01370 Vantaa.
The joint e-mail address for laser experts, laserlupa(at)stuk.fi, may be used for requests for additional information.
The following operators have a licence for the use of high-power laser equipment valid until further notice:
Capital AV / Jaakko Peltomäki Oy
Cyber Solutions Finland Oy
ER Productions
Henry Geitel
Jyväs Media Oy
Klosse J. Wistbacka
Laserimage AB
Luntio Oy
Mixa Oy
Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd
Rytmipojat ry
Sillanpää Juha
Space Zoo Oy
ST Sportservice GmbH
Suomen Videoviestintä SVV Oy
Teatteriyhdistys Taikateatteri 13 ry
Topwork OÜ
XYZ Dezigns Oy
Use of high-power laser equipment in public events (pdf)
Apply for a new laser licence or a change to a valid licence in the STUK form service
Submit a notification on the use of the laser in the STUK form service