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Forthcoming legislation for occupational exposure to optical radiation

The European Commission (EC) has published a Directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from artificial optical radiation (Directive 2006/25/EC).

The full text of the Directive is available from the EC website at eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006L0025:EN:NOT.

Member states must bring into force national legislation to implement the Directive by 27 April 2010. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is taking the lead for this in the UK. The HSE issued a consultative document (http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd227.htm) on 9 November 2009, with comments due by 5 February 2010. 

Key points from the Directive

  • It only applies to artificial optical radiation, eg the sun is excluded.
  • It only applies to the exposure of workers.
  • Employers will need to assess the risk to their employees (already a requirement under existing legislation).
  • Exposure limits are based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which are available at www.icnirp.org/pubOptical.htm.
  • The EC is required to draw up a practical guide to help employers, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, to understand better the technical provisions of the Directive.

The Radiation Protection Division of the HPA was contracted by the EC to produce a draft of the practical guide. This work was completed at the beginning of 2009. The final version of the guide is expected to be published by the EC towards the end of 2009.
The draft practical guide was produced in English, French or German.  Applications for a copy can be made by emailing laser@hpa.org.uk. These are provided on the understanding that they are for information only and must not be copied.


Last reviewed: 27 November 2009