Non-ionising radiation - Artificial Optical Radiation

A guide to your duties

A training course direct from the authors of the EU Artificial Optical Radiation Guide.

Employers are urged to prepare now for the implementation of the European Directive 2006/25/EC on artificial optical radiation. The UK has until 27 April 2010 to implement the requirements of the Directive, which is part of the 'Physical Agents' package.  The main provisions of the Directive include the determination of exposure and the assessment of risks; provisions aimed at avoiding or reducing risks; worker information and training; and health surveillance. The Directive lays down exposure limit values, which, if exceeded, will constitute a regulatory offence. In order to assist employers to comply with the new requirements, the European Commission funded the HPA to produce a non-binding guide to the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive. The Guide is aimed in particular at small and medium-sized enterprises and gives practical advice on the actions to be taken. It lists trivial sources for which there is no need for further actions (eg display screen equipment, photocopiers, indicator LEDs, photographic flashlamps). The Guide also includes a large number of worked examples and gives additional guidance on the risk assessment process for other potentially hazardous sources. These sources are present in many workplaces, but particularly the following.

• Hot industries, such as glass and metal working, where furnaces emit infra-red radiation.
• Print industries, where inks and paints are often cured by photochemical processes.
• Art and entertainment, where performers, models and other workers may be directly illuminated by spotlights, effect lighting, modelling lights and flashlamps.
• Non-destructive testing, which may involve the use of ultraviolet radiation to reveal fluorescent dyes.
• Medical treatment, where practitioners and support staff may be exposed to operating theatre spot lighting and the therapeutic use of optical radiation.
• Cosmetic treatment, making use of lasers and intense lights, as well as ultraviolet and infra-red sources.
• Shop-floor and warehousing activities, where large open buildings are illuminated by powerful area lights.
• Pharmaceuticals and research, where ultraviolet sterilisation and induced fluorescence may be in use.
• Water treatment, where ultraviolet sterilisation may be in use.
• Research and education, where lasers and LEDs may be useful tools.
• Metal working, involving welding or plasma cutting.
• Plastics manufacturing, involving laser bonding.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

It is expected that the Guide will be officially published towards the end of 2009, but in the meantime the HPA Radiation Protection Division (RPD) will be running a one-day course at each of its three sites.

Locations and dates

Chilton	22 February 2010
Glasgow	20 April 2010
Leeds	23 June 2010

Course brochure

Artificial Optical Radiation - Guide to Duties (PDF, 141 KB)

The authors of the Guide will run the course and delegates will receive a copy of the final draft of the Guide in advance of its formal publication. The course programme will cover the following topics.

• So what’s in the non-binding Guide?
• What is optical radiation?
• Biological effects and exposure limits
• The Artificial Optical Radiation Directive
• Risk assessment
• Forthcoming UK regulations
• Practical assessments
• Sources in the workplace
• Practical control measures
• What can go wrong?
• Sources of further information

Fee

The price of the one-day course is £245, including a copy of the Guide and other training materials, lunch and refreshments. To book a place on the course, please use the application form in the brochure above and return it to the Training Administrator at HPA Chilton. Places are limited and so please apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

For more information on the course please contact the Training Administrator at HPA Chilton.

Telephone: 01235 822701

Fax: 01235 822601

Email: chilton.training@hpa.org.uk

The standard terms and conditions for training courses held by the HPA Radiation Protection Division are available.

Artificial optical radiation customised training and consultancy services

The authors of the Guide are also able to provide customised training courses specifically for your needs. For more information on customised training; the requirements of the Directive; or for assistance with a risk assessment for a particular artificial optical radiation source please email optical@hpa.org.uk.

Background information on training available for optical radiation.

Last reviewed: 12 February 2010