| Section | Quick Take |
|---|---|
| Compliance Packet & Timeline | Who files what, documents, and a realistic fast-track schedule. |
| Device Reporting & Labels | Manufacturer docs, label photos, and your onsite binder. |
| Operator Training & Exam Topics | Safety basics, paperwork drills, sample questions. |
| After Approval: Maintenance & Annual Review | Change control, daily/weekly habits, audit pack. |
| Variance vs. Permit | Federal variance vs. local permits—who signs what. |
| Audience Scanning & Risk Controls | What counts, controls to show, proof inspectors accept. |
| Starshine Project Notes | Snapshots that passed on first review. |
| FAQ | High-intent buyer questions, expandable answers. |
| Get the Compliance Template Pack | Editable forms, logs, training slides, and a bonus call. |
Which Starshine Laser Lights Need an FDA Laser Variance?
Most medium- and high-power show devices are treated as laser show equipment by regulators. In practice, that means your FDA laser variance file often covers several types of Starshine fixtures at once:
- Projection mapping laser lights used on building façades and scenic elements – see our Projection Mapping Laser Lights.
- Outdoor laser light projectors for permanent installs and festivals – see our Outdoor Laser Light Projector range.
- Club and touring laser projectors for stages, DJ booths and touring rigs – see our Laser Projector options.
- Moving head laser lights that combine beam looks with precise positioning – see Moving Head Laser Lights.
- Outdoor laser lights used for skyline fans, landmark lighting or seasonal shows – see Outdoor Laser Lights in the same family.
If a device is bright enough for audience-visible beam effects or projection mapping, treat it as part of your laser show equipment plan from day one and tie it into the same FDA laser variance package.
- You / show company: submit the laser variance, show description, plots, and safety narrative.
- Manufacturer (Starshine): product reports, conformance statements, and labeling specs for your laser show equipment.
- Venue: floor plan, mounting points, audience areas, and E-stop locations.
- Day 0–2: Request Starshine device doc pack; shoot clear label & serial photos.
- Day 3–5: Draft show narrative and floor plan (use our editable templates).
- Day 6–10: Internal review; verify power, audience zoning, and cue language.
- Day 11+: Submit; respond to clarifications with a short change log.
Manufacturer docs vs. your show application: Starshine maintains product reports and label specs for our laser projectors; you submit the specific show’s FDA laser variance. Together they demonstrate device compliance and safe operation.
Labels inspectors look for: class & aperture warnings, certification statement, serials / QR, mounting orientation, and MPE notes. Photograph labels clearly and file them in your “compliance binder.”
Simple binder structure: Tab 1 Device docs · Tab 2 Approvals · Tab 3 Plot & zoning · Tab 4 Logs · Tab 5 Operator training.
Core knowledge: laser classes & exposure basics (MPE / NOHD concepts), engineering controls (interlocks, shutters, E-stop), and operational controls (spotters, sightlines, radio calls). Our blended training for laser operators helps small crews keep logs consistent—even on DJ or party shows.
Paperwork that wins inspections: pre-show checklist, show log, and post-show sign-off. Keep forms in the binder and snap a photo after each show.
Sample exam questions: name three controls checked before arming; interlock vs. E-stop; how to document a cue change that brings beams closer to the audience.
After Approval: Maintenance & Annual Review
Change control: new venue layout, power class, or aerial effects? Note it. Some changes are benign; others require an update note.
Daily / weekly habits: walk the rig, verify labels, test interlocks & E-stop, confirm beam paths, rotate spotters, charge radios.
Annual audit pack: refreshed label photos, serial inventory, training refreshers, incident-free confirmation, and a cue comparison noting any higher-risk looks.
The FDA laser variance is federal approval for how a device is used in a show. Local authorities often require a separate permit for the event and venue. Most public shows need both: device / show compliance + local permission.
- Variance: device info, show scope, risk controls, and operator training proof.
- Permit: event date / time, site plan, emergency access, and local safety sign-offs.
Audience Scanning & Risk Controls
What counts as audience scanning: any time beams enter audience-accessible space. It demands specific analysis and controls.
Controls inspectors like: interlock & E-stop routing, aperture masks, beam-height markers, no-go zones on plots, documented spotter roles, and pre-show sign-offs. Keep photo proof in your binder.
Campus EDM Night (1,500 pax, indoor): balcony zoning masks + rehearsed E-stop handoff; variance approved on first pass.
Seaside Wedding (outdoor): low-power projector, elevated sky fans, spotter card + pre-show log; zero audience scanning.
City Club Residency: compact DJ projectors + terrace nights; monthly label photos + logs took 15 minutes; annual pack in under two hours.
Do I always need an FDA laser variance?
How long does approval take?
Are Starshine laser lights compliant?
Is training required for a small DJ rig?
Can I use outdoor laser lights without extra paperwork?
Do rentals change the rules?
Get the Compliance Template Pack
- Editable FDA variance forms & safety narrative
- Label / photo checklists (printable) + pre / post-show logs
- Operator training slides + exam sheet
- Bonus: 30-minute onboarding call (regions vary)
Next Steps: Pair Your Variance with the Right Laser Show Equipment
Once your FDA laser variance paperwork is under control, the next step is choosing laser show equipment that comes with solid manufacturer documentation. Starting with well-documented laser projectors and outdoor laser lights makes every future update easier: you can refresh plots and narratives without reinventing the device section each time.
- Need long-throw beams or mapping on buildings? Start with our Projection Mapping Laser Lights and Laser Projector lines.
- Planning permanent outdoor installs or seasonal skyline shows? Look at our Outdoor Laser Light Projector range.
- Designing club or festival rigs? Combine Moving Head Laser Lights with compact indoor laser lights and your existing stage fixtures.
All of these fixtures can sit inside the same compliance binder and variance strategy, so your creative ideas stay aligned with the FDA laser variance you worked so hard to secure.
Disclaimer: Regulations change. This article is a practical guide, not legal advice. Always follow your local authority’s latest requirements.
| Binder Tab | Contents |
|---|---|
| Tab 1 — Device Docs | Product report, conformance statement, label photos, serial list |
| Tab 2 — Approvals | FDA variance, local permits, correspondence |
| Tab 3 — Plot & Zoning | Floor plan, mounting points, no-go zones, beam heights |
| Tab 4 — Logs | Pre-show checks, show log, post-show sign-off, incident form |
| Tab 5 — Training | Operator certificates, spotter cards, refreshers |