to Artificial Optical Radiation) Regulations, 2010

L.N. 250 of 2010

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY

ACT

(CAP. 424)

Work Place (Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for

the Protection of Workers from Risks resulting from Exposure

to Artificial Optical Radiation) Regulations, 2010

IN exercise of the powers conferred by article 12 of the

Occupational Health and Safety Authority Act, the Minister for

Health, the Elderly and Community Care, in consultation with the

Occupational Health and Safety Authority, has made the following

regulations

(1) The title of these regulations is the Work Place Title, scope and

(Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for the Protection of applicability.

Workers from Risks resulting from Exposure to Artificial Optical

Radiation) Regulations, 2010.

(2) The scope of these regulations is to lay down

minimum requirements for the protection of workers from risks to

their health and safety arising or likely to arise from exposure to

artificial optical radiation during their work. These regulations refer

to the risk to the health and safety of workers due to adverse effects

caused by exposure to artificial optical radiation to the eyes and to

the skin. These regulations shall implement Directive 2006/25/EC

of the European Parliament and of the Council.

(3) These regulations shall apply fully to all workers

without prejudice to more stringent and,or more specific provisions

contained in any other law or regulation on the protection of

workers from the risks related to exposure to artificial optical

radiation.

Non-coherent optical radiation

The biophysically relevant exposure values to optical radiation can be determined with the formulae below. The

formulae to be used depend on the range of radiation emitted by the source and the results should be compared with

the corresponding exposure limit values indicated in Table 1.1. More than one exposure value and corresponding

exposure limit can be relevant for a given source of optical radiation.

Numbering (a) to (0) refers to corresponding rows of Table 1.1.

A = 400nm

f f EA {A ,t),S{A)·dA·dt

H,IT =

(Heff is only relevant in the range 180 to 400 nm)

(a)

A = 180 om

).= 400 om

f E A (A, t) . dA . dt

(h)

(HuVA is only relevant in the range 315 to 400 nm)

A.=315 om

f L). (A) . B(A) . dA

A.=700nm

LB =

(LB is only relevant in the range 300 to 700 nm)

(c), (d)

A= 300nm

A = 700nm

f EA{A) ·B{A)·dA

EB

(e), (t)

(EB is only relevant in the range 300 to 700 nm)

A=300nm

A,

f LA (A) . R(A) . dA

(g) to 0)

LR =

(See Table 1.1 for appropriate values of Al and A2)

A]

A = 3000 om

f EdA) ·dA

(m), (n)

EIR =

(EIR is only relevant in the range 780 to 3 000 nm)

A = 780 om

A. = 3000 om

f f E (A., t). dA.· dt

H , kjn =

(Hskin is only relevant in the range 380 to 3000 nm)

(o)

A

A = 380 om

For the purposes of these regu lations the formu lae above can be replaced by the fo lloWing expressions and the use

of discrete va lues as set out in the follOWing tables

A=400nm

I- E).· S{A) · !:o..A

E,IT

(a)

and Heff = E,ff' !:o..t

A= 180nm

A= 400nm

I- E)..!:o../c

(h)

EUVA =

and HuvA = EUVA ' !:o..t

).=315nm

A = 700 om

I- Ll. . B{A) · !:o..A

(C), (d)

LB

'A=300nm

A = 700 om

E B

I- E,' B(A)·!:o..A

(e), (t)

A = 300nm

l.,

L R = I- Ll. .R{A).!:o../c

(g) to 0)

(See Table 1.1 for appropriate values of Al and A2)

l.,

A = 3000nm

I- EA· !:o..A

EIR

(m), (n)

A = 780nm

A= 3000 nm

E skin =

and Hskin = Eskin ' ~t

(0)

A=380nm

EA (A,t) , EA spectral irradiance or spectral power density: the radiant power incident per unit area upon a surface,

expressed in watts per square metre per nanometre [W m,2 nm,I]; values of EA (A, t) and EA come from

measurements or may be provided by the manufacturer of the equipment;

effective irradiance (UV range): calculated irradiance within the UV wavelength range 180 to 400 nm

spectrally weighted by S (A), expressed in watts per square metre [W m,2];

radiant exposure: the time integral of the irradiance, expressed in joules per square metre U m,2];

effective radiant exposure: radiant exposure spectrally weighted by S (A), expressed in joules per square metre

[J m, 2];

total irradiance (UVA): calculated irradiance within the UVA wavelength range 315 to 400 nm, expressed in

watts per square metre [W m,2];

radiant exposure: the time and wavelength integral or sum of the irradiance within the UVA wavelength

range 315 to 400 nm, expressed in joules per square metre U m,2];

spectral weighting taking into account the wavelength dependence of the health effects of UV radiation on

eye and skin, (Table 1.2) [dimensionless];

time, duration of the exposure, expressed in seconds [s] ;

wavelength, expressed in nanometres [nm] ;

bandwidth, expressed in nanometres [nm] , of the calculation or measurement intervals;

LA (A), LA spectral radiance of the source expressed in watts per square metre per steradian per nanometre [W m, 2 sr,l

nm,I];

spectral weighting taking into account the wavelength dependence of the thermal injury caused to the eye

by visible and IRA radiation (Table 1.3) [dimensionless]

effective radiance (thermal injury): calculated radiance spectrally weighted by R (A) expressed in watts per

square metre per steradian [W m, 2 sr - I];

spectral weighting taking into account the wavelength dependence of the photochemical injury caused to

the eye by blue light radiation (Table 1.3) [dimensionless] ;

effective radiance (blue light): calculated radiance spectrally weighted by B (A), expressed in watts per square

metre per steradian [W m' 2 sr -I];

effective irradiance (blue light): calculated irradiance spectrally weighted by B (A) expressed in watts per

square metre [W m, 2];

total irradiance (thermal injury): calculated irradiance within the infrared wavelength range 780 nm to

3 000 nm expressed in watts per square metre [W m,2];

total irradiance (visible, IRA and IRB): calculated irradiance within the visible and infrared wavelength range

380 nm to 3 000 nm, expressed in watts per square metre [W m,2];

radiant exposure: the time and wavelength integral or sum of the irradiance within the visible and infrared

wavelength range 380 to 3 000 nm, expressed in joules per square metre 0 m,2);

angular subtense: the angle subtended by an apparent source, as viewed at a point in space, expressed in

milliradians (mrad). Apparent source is the real or virtual object that forms the smallest possible retinal

image.

Table 1.1

Exposure limit values for non-coherent optical radiation

Index

Wavelength nm

Exposure limit value

Units

Comment

Part of the body

Hazard

U m- 2]

a.

180-400

eye cornea

photokeratitis

Heff = 30

(UVA, UVB and UVC)

Daily value 8 hours

conjunctiva

conjunctivitis

lens

cataractogenesis

skin

erythema

elastosis

skin cancer

U m- 2]

HuvA = 10 4

b.

315-400

eye lens

cataractogenesis

(UVA)

Daily value 8 hours

10 6

LB :[W ffi"2 srI ]

for a;:: 11 mrad

c.

300-700

LB = -

(Blue light) see note 1

t: [seconds]

t

for t '" 1 0 000 s

[W m- 2 sr- I]

d.

300-700

LB = 100

(Blue light)

for t > 10 000 s

see note 1

eye retina

photoretinitis

E B: [W ffi"2]

for a < 11 mrad

e.

300-700

EB = -

t

see note 2

(Blue light)

t: [seconds]

B

for t '" 1 0 000 s

see note 1

[Wm-2]

f.

300-700

EB = 0,01

(Blue light)

t >10 000 s

see note 1

Wavelength nm

Exposure limit value

Index

Units

Comment

Part of the body

Hazard

[W m- 2 srI]

2,8 . 10 7

Co = 1,7 for

g.

380-1 400

LR =

B

C a

(Visible and IRA)

a" 1,7 mrad

for t > 10 s

Co = a for

1,7 " a" 100 mrad

Co = 100 for

LdW m- 2 srI]

5 . 10 7

h.

380-1 400

a> 100 mrad

LR = C t O,25

eye retina

retinal burn

(Visible and IRA)

t: [seconds]

a

).'1= 380; A2= 1 400

for 10 J.ls " t " 10 S

[W m- 2 srI]

8,89 . 10 8

i.

380-1 400

LR =

C a

(Visible and IRA)

for t <10 J.ls

[W m- 2 srI]

6 . 10 6

Cn = 11 for

780-1 400

j.

LR = - -

C a

QRA)

a" 11 mrad

for t > 10 s

Cn = a for

11" a" 100 mrad

Co = 100 for

L R: [W m- 2 sr- I]

5 . 10 7

k.

780-1 400

a> 100 mrad

LR = C t O,25

eye retina

retinal burn

QRA)

t: [seconds]

a

(measurement field-of-view

for 10 J.lS " t " 10 s

11 mrad)

AI= 780; A2= 1 400

[W m- 2 srI]

8,89 . 10 8

1. 780-1 400

LR =

C a

QRA)

for t < 10 J.lS

EIR = 18 000 rO,75

E : [W m- 2]

m.

780-3000

QRA and IRB)

t: [seconds]

for t " 1 000 s

eye cornea

corneal burn

lens

cataractogenesis

[Wm-2]

n.

780-3000

EIR = 100

QRA and IRB)

for t > 1 000 s

Wavelength nm

Exposure limit value

Units

Comment

Part of the body

Hazard

H: 0 m- 2 ]

Hskin = 20 000 to. 25

380-3000

skin

burn

for t < 10 s

(Visible, IRA

t: [seconds]

and IRE)

The range of 300 to 700 nm covers parts of UVB, all UVA and most of visible radiation; however, the associated hazard is commonly referred to as 'blue light' hazard. Blue light strictly speaking

covers only the range of approximately 400 to 490 nm.

For steady fixation of very small sources with an angular subtense < 11 mrad, LB can be converted to E B. This normally applies only for ophthalmic instruments or a stabilized eye during

anaesthesia. The maximum 'stare time' is found by: t max = 100/E 8 with EB expressed in W m- 2 • Due to eye movements during normal visual tasks this does not exceed 100 s.

B

B

Table 1.2

s (X) [dimensionless], 180 om to 400 om

S (A)

S (A)

S (A)

S (A)

S (A)

A in nm

Ain nm

Ain nm

A in nm

A in nm

0,0120

0,1737

0,9434

0,000520

0,000086

0,0126

0,1819

0,9272

0,000500

0,000083

0,0l32

0,1900

0,9112

0,000479

0,000080

0,0l38

0,1995

0,8954

0,000459

0,000077

0,0144

0,2089

0,8800

0,000440

0,000074

0,0151

0,2188

0,8568

0,000425

0,000072

0,0l58

0,2292

0,8342

0,000410

0,000069

0,0166

0,2400

0,8122

0,000396

0,000066

0,0l73

0,2510

0,7908

0,000383

0,000064

0,0181

0,2624

0,7700

0,000370

0,000062

0,0l90

0,2744

0,7420

0,000355

0,000059

0,0l99

0,2869

0,7151

0,000340

0,000057

0,0208

0,3000

0,6891

0,000327

0,000055

0,3111

0,6641

0,0218

0,000315

0,000053

0,0228

0,3227

0,6400

0,000303

0,000051

0,0239

0,3347

0,6186

0,000291

0,000049

0,0250

0,3471

0,5980

0,000280

0,000047

0,0262

0,3600

0,5780

0,000271

0,000046

0,0274

0,3730

0,5587

0,000263

0,000044

0,0287

0,3865

0,5400

0,000255

0,000042

0,0300

0,4005

0,4984

0,000248

0,000041

0,0334

0,4150

0,4600

0,000240

0,000039

0,0371

0,4300

0,3989

0,000231

0,000037

0,0412

0,4465

0,3459

0,000223

0,000036

0,0459

0,4637

0,3000

0,000215

0,000035

0,0510

0,4815

0,2210

0,000207

0,000033

0,0551

0,5000

0,1629

0,000200

0,000032

0,0595

0,5200

0,1200

0,000191

0,000031

0,0643

0,5437

0,0849

0,000183

0,000030

0,0694

0,5685

0,0600

0,000175

0,0750

0,5945

0,0454

0,000167

0,0786

0,6216

0,0344

0,000160

0,0824

0,6500

0,0260

0,000153

0,0864

0,6792

0,0l97

0,000147

0,0906

0,7098

0,0150

0,000141

0,0950

0,7417

0,0111

0,000136

0,0995

0,7751

0,0081

0,000130

0,1043

0,8100

0,0060

0,000126

0,1093

0,8449

0,0042

0,000122

0,1145

0,8812

0,0030

0,000118

0,1200

0,9192

0,0024

0,000114

0,1257

0,9587

0,0020

0,000110

0,1316

1,0000

0,0016

0,000106

0,1378

0,9919

0,0012

0,000103

0,1444

0,9838

0,0010

0,000099

0,1500

0,9758

0,000819

0,000096

0,1583

0,9679

0,000670

0,000093

0,1658

0,9600

0,000540

0,000090

B

Table 1.3

B (A), R (A) [dimensionless], 380 run to 1400 om

Ain nm

B (A)

R (A)

300,,; A < 380

0,01

-

0,01

0,1

0,013

0,13

0,025

0,25

0,05

0,5

0,1

0,2

0,4

0,8

0,9

0,95

9,5

0,98

9,8

0,97

9,7

0,94

9,4

0,9

0,8

0,7

6,2

0,62

0,55

5,5

0,45

4,5

0,32

3,2

2,2

0,22

1,6

0,16

0,1

10°,02'(450-1.)

500 < A"; 600

600 < A"; 700

0,001

10°,002 (700 - A)

700 < A ,,; 1 050

-

1050<1..,,;1150

0,2

-

0,2' 100,Q2'(1 150- A)

1 150 < A ,,; 1 200

-

1 200 < A ,,; 1 400

0,02

-

B

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise

requires

“the Act” means the Occupational Health And Safety

Authority Act;

“the Authority” means the Occupational Health and

Safety Authority established by article 8 of the Act;

“exposure limit values” means the limits on exposure

to optical radiation which are based directly on established

health effects and biological considerations. Compliance

with these limits will ensure that workers exposed to artificial

sources of optical radiation are protected against all known

adverse health effects;

“irradiance (E) or power density” means the radiant

power incident per unit area upon a surface expressed in watts

per square metre (W m -2 );

“laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of

radiation)” means any device which can be made to produce

or amplify electromagnetic radiation in the optical radiation

wavelength range primarily by the process of controlled

stimulated emission;

“laser radiation” means optical radiation from a laser;

“level” means the combination of irradiance, radiant

exposure and radiance to which a worker is exposed;

“the Minister” means the Minister responsible for

occupational health and safety;

“non-coherent radiation” means any optical radiation

other than laser radiation;

“optical radiation” means any electromagnetic radiation

in the wavelength range between 100 nm and 1 mm. The

spectrum of optical radiation is divided into ultraviolet

radiation, visible radiation and infrared radiation

(i) ultraviolet radiation: optical radiation of

wavelength range between 100 nm and 400 nm. The

ultraviolet region is divided into UVA (315-400 nm),

UVB (280-315 nm) and UVC (100-280 nm);

(ii) visible radiation: optical radiation of

wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm;

(iii) infrared radiation: optical radiation of

wavelength range between 780 nm and 1 mm. The

infrared region is divided into IRA (780 - 1400 nm), IRB

(1400 - 3000 nm) and IRC (3000 nm - 1 mm);

“radiance (L)” means the radiant flux or power output

per unit solid angle per unit area, expressed in watts per

square metre per steradian (W m -2 sr -1 );

“radiant exposure (H)” means the time integral of the

irradiance, expressed in joules per square metre (J m -2 ).

Laser optical radiation

The biophysically relevant exposure values to optical radiation can be determined with the formulae below. The

formulae to be used depend on the wavelength and duration of radiation emitted by the source and the results should

be compared with the corresponding exposure limit values indicated in the Tables 2.2 to 2.4. More than one exposure

value and corresponding exposure limit can be relevant for a given source of laser optical radiation.

Coefficients used as calculation tools within the Tables 2.2 to 2.4 are listed in Table 2.5 and corrections for repetitive

exposure are listed in Table 2.6.

t

H = jE(t) . dt [J m"]

o

Notes

dP

power expressed in watt [W];

dA

suiface expressed in square metres [m2];

E (t), E irradiance or power density: the radiant power incident per unit area upon a surface, generally expressed in

watts per square metre [W m'2] . Values of E(t), E come from measurements or may be provided by the

manufacturer of the equipment;

radiant exposure: the time integral of the irradiance, expressed in joules per square metre U m'2];

H

time, duration oj the exposure, expressed in seconds [s];

A

wavelength, expressed in nanometres [nm];

limiting cone angle oj measurement field-oj-view expressed in milliradians [mrad];

y

Ym

measurement field oj view expressed in milliradians [mrad];

angular subtense oj a source expressed in milliradians [mrad]

a

limiting aperture: the circular area over which irradiance and radiant exposure are averaged;

integrated radiance: the integral of the radiance over a given exposure time expressed as radiant energy per

G

unit area of a radiating surface per unit solid angle of emission, in joules per square metre per steradian

U m,2 sr ,I].

B

Table 2.1

Radiation hazards

Wavelength [nm]

Exposure limit value

Radiation range

Affected organ

Hazard

table

A

UV

180 to 400

photochemical damage and

2.2, 2.3

eye

thermal damage

UV

180 to 400

skin

erythema

2.4

400 to 700

visible

retinal damage

eye

2.2

400 to 600

visible

photochemical damage

2.3

eye

400 to 700

visible

skin

thermal damage

2.4

IRA

700 to 1 400

thermal damage

2.2, 2.3

eye

IRA

700 to 1400

skin

thermal damage

2.4

IRB

1400 to 2600

thermal damage

2.2

eye

2600 to 10 6

IRe

thermal damage

2.2

eye

1 400 to 10 6

IRB, IRe

thermal damage

2.3

eye

1 400 to 10 6

IRB, IRe

skin

thermal damage

2.4

Table 2.2

Exposure limit values for laser exposure to the eye - Short exposure duration < 10 s

Dura tion [5[

"

Wavclcnglil ' [nm [

to

It.

<

I

I

1.8 10" - ) . 10"'

10" _ 10"

10'". 10' ''

10'" · 10"

10" - 10'

10" - 1,8 ' 10"

5 · 10" - 10"

I

I

180 - 280

H = 30 U m" ]

280 - 302

'"

if I < 2.6 . 10" then H = 5. 6 ' 10 ' 1 0.,5 U m" I see nOlc "

H = 40 [J m" ]

30 3

v

if I < 1.3 'lO" thcn H = 5.6 ' 10 ' t v .2< D m" I see note "

H = 60 U m" ]

Ii

'"

if I < 1,0' 10" Ihell H = 5.6 ' l Ol l V.2\ IJ m"l see no,c "

H = 100 U m" ]

30 5

S

if , < 6,7 . 10" thell H = 5,6 . 10 ' , " .21 U m· l I see Ilo'e J

H = 160 U m" ]

30 6

H; 25 0 U m"]

if , <4,0' 10" lhen H ; 5,6' 10 ' , °·15 D m"j see nOlc "

30 7

d .....

E= 3 '10 10 • [Wm"]

if , < 2,6 ' 10'\ then H ; 5,6 ' 10 ' 1 0. 15 U m· l I see note d

H ; 400 U m"];

"'-

-

Sec note '

H ; 63 0 U m" ]

if , < 1,6 ' 10'; then H = 5,6 . 10 ' 1 0•15 U m" I see nOle "

30 9

Vi

if I < 1,0 ' 10. 1 Ihen H = 5,6 ' 10 ' l o.15 U m" I see nOlc "

H = 10 ' U m"l

'"

if I < 6,7 . 10. 1 then H = 5.6 . 10 ' I U.15 [j 11'-'] see nOle J

H = 1,6 ' 10 ' U n'-' ]

~

~

if I < 4,0 . 10 " Ihen H = 5.6 . 10 ' 1 0. 15 D m" ] see no Ie "

H = 2.5 ' 10 ' [j n'-' ]

..2

31 2

E

if I < 2,6 ' 1O" thcn H = 5,6 ' 10 ' 1 0.15 U 111"1 sec nO le J

H = 4,0 '10 ' U m" l

E

-

J

H = 6.3 '10 U n'-' ]

if I < 1.6' 10" then H = 5,6 ' 10' t"'" U 111"] see notc"

H = 5,6' I oj 1 0.15 [J m" l

31 5- 400

H = 18 1 0. ' c, D m" ]

H = 5 ' 10" C, D m" 1

H = 2.7 ' 10' 1°. ' CED m" 1

I

400 - 700

H = 1,5 'I O" CED m" l

E

H ; \,5 . 10" C A C F U m" ]

H=2,7' 10' , 0.75 C A C. 0 m"]

H ; 18 '1 0.7; C A C F U m"l

H = 5 . 10" C A C E Dill" ]

700 - I 05 0

I

E

H =2,7 ' 10' 1 0 .7> C, C, U m"]

\-1 = 1,5· IO· I Cc CF, [J n'-']

I

H = 90·t 0.7> Cc C, [J m" l

H = 5· 10" Cc C, [j m" 1

I 0 50- I 400

H=5,6 ' 10 ' 1 .15 U m"l

I

E = 10 " [W n,-' I See note '

1 400 - 1500

H = 10 ' Um"1

"'

E = l Ol l IW m" J See nOlc '

0 '"

I 500 - 1800

\-I = 10' U m" 1

... "

E = 10 " rW m" l See note <

H = 10 ' U m"1

H= 5, 6 . \ 0 ' ·[ 0.25 [J n'-']

I

1 800 - 2 600

OJ

E = 10 " rw 111" 1 See note <

V'>

I

H = 5,6 ' 1O ' ·t 0.' U 111" ]

26 00 - 10 '

H= l OO Um" l

If the wilvelength or the laser is covered by two limits. then the mQre restricl ivc applies.

When I 400<1,< 10' nm : 'pcllilre diameler ~ I mm fOri < 0.3 s "tid I. 5 10Y< mm for 0.3 s q < l Os: when 10'<).< 10' 11m : 'pertlll'c diameler ~ I I mm.

Due to I,ck of dot' at Ihes. pulse lengths. ICN IRP recommends the use of the I ns irrndiance limits.

The ,able states ,'alues for single laser pulses. In case of 111C1l liple laser pulses.l hen Ihe laser pulse d",aliom of pilises f,lI ing within an interval T,,," OiSled in lOble 2.6) mus( be ,dded lip and Ih e res"Iring lime value mu" be foiled in for I in Ihe formula

5.6 10 ' , 0." .

Table 2.3

Exposure limit values for laser exposure to the eye - Long exposure duration '" 10 s

Duration [5]

1!

Wavelengt h'lnm )

5 " "'-

10' - 10·

10· - 3 ' '10·

10 ' - 10'

<

180 - 280

H = 30 U 111,2)

280 - 302

H = 40 U m" )

H = 60 U m" )

H =IOOU m-lJ

H = 160 U m"l

H = 250 U m-' l

E

H = 400 IJ moll

E

'"

H = 630 U m-'1

""

H = 1,0' I oj Un"' )

H = 1,6,IO J Un,.'1

H = 2,5 ' IO J Um" )

H = 4,O' IO J Um")

H = 6,3 ' IO ' Um" )

315 - 400

H = 10·U m" l

400 - 600

H = 100 C. U m" l

E= I C. IWm'"

E = 1 CalW m" ]: (y = 1.1 1°,5 mrad) d

PholOc he mical b

(y= 11 tmad) "

(y = I !O mrad) "

Retin al damage

E

E

"-

Ih ell E = 10 [\V m" J

400 - 700

ifa " 1,5 1l1rad

then H = 18 Cr. lo,75 1J m")

The rm al b

if a > 1,5 mra dandl ~T,

then E = 18 Cr. T,.j),'5 rW n"' )

ifa> 1,5 mmdand l >T,

Retin al damage

lil enE = IOC"C, [Wm" )

if a " 1,5 mrad

E

th en H = 18 C, C(' C;F lo,75 D 111" J

700- 1 400

ifa> 1,5 I1lr" dalldl ~Tl

E

"-

th en E = 18 CA C c C;E T"O,15 [W m"l (not to exceed 1 000 W m")

if a > 1,5 mradandt >T,

E= 1000 [W m"l

" ",

1 400-10'

'"

V>

If Ihe wavelenglh Or anot her condilion of the laser is covered by IwO limits, Ihen the more reslrict ive applies,

For small sources sllb,ending an angle of 1.5 mrad or less, the vis ible dllallimilS E r!'Om 400 nm to 600 nm reduce to the thCn11.l limilS ror l Os< I<T, and 10 phOlochemical limilS ror longer times, I'or T I and T, sec Table 2,5, The photochem ical relinal

ha7.ard limit may also be expressed as a time in tegra ,ed radia nce G = 10' C, IJ m" ,," ] rort > l Os up to' = 10000 sa nd L - 100 C. [W m" ,,"] fo rt > 10000 s, For the meJS urement orG and l Ym must be used as ave raging fie ld or view, The

official border be tween visible and in frared is 780 nm as defined by lhe CI E, The column with wavelength band names is only meant to provide be Iter overview for the liSeI', (The notation G is used by CEN: the not atio n L, is used by CIE: the

notation L, is used by IEC and CENEl EC,)

Forwnvelengl h 1 400 - 10 nm : aperlurediilmeter::; 3.5 mOl; ro r wavel~ng t h 10)· 10 nm:apen ure Diameter ;: 11 mm.

i

For meaSlIrement or the exposure value the considerat ion of y is defined as follows: Ir a (angu lar subtenseof a sOllrce) > y Oimitillg cone angle, indicated in brackets in the corresponding column) then the measurement field or view y", should be lhe

given value of y, (If a larger measuremCllt Gold of view is used, thcn the hazard would bc ovtrtst inmed),

If a < y Ihen Ihe meas ure ment (kid or view Ynl must be large eno ugh to fully enc lose the sou rce but is otherwise not lim ilcd and may be larger rha n y.

B

Table 2.4

Exposure limit values for laser exposure of skin

Dum ion [<I

~

Wavelength· [nm]

I

"'-

<

~ 10"

10" - 10'

10" - 10"

10' - 10'

10' - 3 · 10'

10" - 10"

I

E

UV

E

E= 3'10 IU rWm" 1

180-400

Same as eye exposure li nlils

'"

(1\, S, C)

,...;

400 -700

E= 2 '1 0" [W m" j

H=2 00 C,

Visible

H= 1,1 '1 0'C h t O"' UIl1 " J

and

E = 2 'IO' C A rWm" j

IRA

700 -1 400

E= 2 'l O" C A [Wm"1

Om'1

E= 10 " [W m-'1

1400-1 500

E

E

'"

,...;

E= lO ll IW m" l

IRI3

I ;00-1 800

and

Same as eye exposure li nlils

E= 10 12 [W m"]

IRC

1 800-2600

E= IO Il IW m" 1

2 600-10·

Ir the w.1vele:nglh or il nOlhcr condilion of the 13ser is. covered by tWO limils. the n the more restrict ive 3pp li~.

B

Table 2.5

Applied correction factors and other calculation parameters

Parameter as listed in ICNIRP

Valid spectral range (nm)

Value

C A = 1,0

A < 700

C A = 10 0,0020- - 700)

700 -

1 050

C A

C A = 5,0

1050 -

1 400

C B = 1,0

400 -

C B

C B = 10 0,020- - 450)

450 -

Cc = 1,0

700 -

1 150

Cc = 10 0,D180- - 11 50)

1 150 -

1 200

Cc

Cc = 8,0

1200 -

1 400

= 10 S

A < 450

= 10 ' [10 0,020- - 4 50)] S

450 -

= 100 s

A> 500

Parameter as listed in ICNIRP

Valid for biological effect

Value

«min = 1,5 mrad

all thermal effects

«min

Parameter as listed in ICNIRP

Valid angular range (mrad)

Value

C E = 1,0

a < Umin

C E = a/«min

«min < a < 100

C E

C E = a 2 /(<<min ' «maJ mrad with «max =

a> 100

100 mrad

= 10 S

a < 1,5

= 10 ' [10 (a - 1,5) / 98,5] S

1,5 < a < 100

= 100 s

a> 100

Parameter as listed in ICNIRP

Valid exposure time range (s)

Value

t ~ 100

Y = 11 [mrad]

Y = 1,1 t 0, 5 [mrad]

100 < t < 10 4

t> 10 4

Y = 110 [mrad]

Table 2.6

Correction for repetitive exposure

Each of the following three general rules should be applied to all repetitive exposures as occur from repetitively pulsed

or scanning laser systems

The exposure from any single pulse in a train of pulses shall not exceed the exposure limit value for a single

1. pulse of that pulse duration,

2. The exposure from any group of pulses (or sub-group of pulses in a train) delivered in time t shall not exceed the

exposure limit value for time t.

3. The exposure from any single pulse within a group of pulses shall not exceed the single-pulse exposure limit

value multiplied by a cumulative-thermal correction factor C p =N'0,25, where N is the number of pulses, This rule

applies only to exposure limits to protect against thermal injury, where all pulses delivered in less than T min are

treated as a single pulse,

Parameter

Valid spectral range (nm)

Value

T min = 10 -9 S (= 1 ns)

315 <A~ 400

T min = 18, 10 -6 s (= 18 )ls)

400 <A~ 1 050

T min = 50, 10 -6 S (= 50 )lS)

1 050 <A~ 1 400

T min = 10 -3 S (= 1 ms)

1 400 <A~ 1 500

T min

1 500 <A~ 1 800

T min = 10 s

T min = 10 -3 S (= 1 ms)

1 800 <A~ 2 600

2 600 <A~ 10 6

T min = 10 -7 S (= 100 ns)

€2.24

(1) The occupational exposure limit values for non-

coherent radiation, other than that emitted by natural sources of

optical radiation, are as set out in Schedule I.

(2) The occupational exposure limit values for laser

radiation are as set out in Schedule II.

(1) The employer shall assess and, if necessary, measure Determination

and,or calculate the levels of exposure to optical radiation to which of

workers are likely to be exposed so that the measures needed to

restrict exposure to the applicable limits can be identified and put

into effect. The methodology applied in assessment, measurement

and,or calculations shall follow the standards of the International

Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in respect of laser radiation

and the recommendations of the International Commission on

Illumination (CIE) and the European Committee for Standardisation

(CEN) in respect of non-coherent radiation. In exposure situations

which are not covered by these standards and recommendations,

and until appropriate EU standards or recommendations become

available, assessment, measurement and,or calculations shall be

carried out using available national or international science-based

guidelines. In both exposure situations, the assessment may take

account of data provided by the manufacturers of the equipment

when it is covered by relevant Community Directives.

(2) The assessment, measurement and,or calculations

referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be planned and carried

out by competent persons at suitable intervals taking particular

account of regulation 9 concerning protective and preventive

services and measures and regulation 13 concerning consultation

and participation of the workers of the General Provisions for L.N. 36 of 2003.

Health and Safety at Work Places Regulations, 2003. The data

obtained from the assessment, including those obtained from the

measurement and,or calculation of the level of exposure referred to

in sub-regulation (1) shall be preserved in a suitable form so as to

permit consultation at a later stage.

(3) The employer shall give particular attention, when

carrying out the risk assessment, to the following

(a) the level, wavelength range and duration of

exposure to artificial sources of optical radiation;

(b) the exposure limit values referred to in regulation 3

of these regulations;

(c) any effects concerning the health and safety of

workers belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups;

(d) any possible effects on workers’ health and safety

resulting from workplace interactions between optical

radiation and photosensitising chemical substances;

(e) any indirect effects such as temporary blinding,

explosion or fire;

(f) the existence of replacement equipment designed to

reduce the levels of exposure to artificial optical radiation;

(g) appropriate information obtained from health

surveillance, including published information, as far as

possible;

(h) multiple sources of exposure to artificial optical

radiation;

(i) a classification applied to a laser as defined in

accordance with the relevant IEC standard and, in relation to

any artificial source likely to cause damage similar to that of a

laser of class 3B or 4, any similar classification;

(j) information provided by the manufacturers of

optical radiation sources and associated work equipment in

accordance with the relevant Community Directives.

(4) The employer shall be in possession of an

assessment of the risk in accordance with regulation 10 of

the General Provisions for Health and Safety at Work Places

Regulations, 2003 and shall identify those measures which

must be taken in accordance with regulations 5 and 6 of these

regulations. The risk assessment shall be recorded on a suitable

medium, and it may include a justification by the employer that the

nature and extent of the risks related to optical radiation make a

further detailed risk assessment unnecessary. The risk assessment

shall be updated on a regular basis, particularly if there have been

significant changes which could render it out-of-date, or if the

results of health surveillance show it to be necessary.

(5) A medium is considered to be suitable, as required

by the preceding paragraph, if it allows records and the information

contained therein to be stored in a way which is readily accessible

for future reference and which meets the following conditions

(a) it is possible for any corrections or other

amendments, and the contents of the records prior to such

corrections or amendments, to be easily ascertained; and

(b) it is not possible for the records otherwise to be

manipulated or altered.

(1) Every employer shall take measures to eliminate or

reduce to a minimum the risks arising from exposure to artificial

optical radiation, taking account of technical progress and of the

availability of measures to control the risk at source.

(2) Where the risk assessment carried out in accordance

with regulation 4(1) for workers exposed to artificial sources of

optical radiation indicates any possibility that the exposure limit

values may be exceeded, the employer shall devise and implement

an action plan comprising technical and,or organisational measures

designed to prevent the exposure exceeding the limit values, taking

into account in particular

(a) other working methods that reduce the risk from

optical radiation;

(b) the choice of equipment emitting less optical

radiation taking account of the work to be done;

(c) technical measures to reduce the emission of

optical radiation including, where necessary, the use of

interlocks, shielding or similar health protection mechanisms;

(d) appropriate maintenance programmes for work

equipment, workplaces and workstation systems;

(e) the design and layout of workplaces and

workstations;

(f) limitation of the duration and level of the exposure;

(g) the availability of appropriate personal protective

equipment;

(h) the instructions of the manufacturer of the

equipment where it is covered by relevant Community

Directives.

(3) On the basis of the risk assessment carried

out in accordance with regulation 4, workplaces where workers

could be exposed to levels of optical radiation from artificial

sources exceeding the exposure limit values shall be indicated by

appropriate signs in accordance with the Workplace (Provision

of Health and, or Safety Signs) Regulations, 2002. The areas in

question shall be identified, and access to them limited where this

is technically possible and where there is a risk that the exposure

limit values could be exceeded.

(4) Workers shall not be exposed above the exposure

limit values. In any event, if, despite the measures taken by the

employer to comply with these regulations in respect of artificial

sources of optical radiation, the exposure limit values are exceeded,

the employer shall take immediate action to reduce exposure below

the exposure limit values. The employer shall identify the reasons

why the exposure limit values have been exceeded, and shall

adapt the protection and prevention measures accordingly in order

to prevent them being exceeded again. The employer shall adapt

the measures referred to in this regulation to the requirements of

workers belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups.

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of regulations

12 and 14 of the General Provisions for Health and Safety at Work

Places Regulations, 2003 the employer shall ensure that workers

who are exposed to risks from artificial optical radiation at work

and,or their representatives, receive any necessary information and

training relating to the outcome of the risk assessment provided for

in regulation 4 of these regulations, concerning in particular

(a)

measures taken to implement these regulations;

(b) the exposure limit values and the associated

potential risks;

(c) the results of the assessment, measurement and,or

calculations of the levels of exposure to artificial optical

radiation carried out in accordance with regulation 4 of these

regulations together with an explanation of their significance

and potential risks;

(d) how to detect adverse health effects of exposure

and how to report them;

(e) the circumstances in which workers are entitled to

health surveillance;

(f) safe working practices to minimise risks from

exposure;

(g) proper use of appropriate personal protective

equipment.

Consultation and participation of workers and,or their

representatives on the matters covered by these regulations and

the schedules hereto, including the assessment, measurement

and,or calculations of the levels of exposure to artificial optical

radiation experienced at work, shall take place in accordance

with the General Provisions for Health and Safety at Work places

Regulations, 2003.

(1) With the objectives of the prevention and timely

detection of any adverse health effects, as well as the prevention

of any long-term health risks and any risk of chronic diseases,

resulting from exposure to optical radiation, an employer shall

make arrangements for carrying out appropriate health surveillance

of workers who are exposed to artificial optical radiation and such

health records shall be made available to the Authority.

(2) An employer shall ensure that health surveillance

is carried out by a doctor or other person which is deemed by the

Health Authorities to be competent to carry out health surveillance

in accordance with this regulation.

(3) An employer shall ensure that for each worker who

undergoes health surveillance in accordance with regulation 8 (1),

individual health records are made and kept up-to-date.

(4) (a) Health records shall contain a summary of the

results of the health surveillance carried out, and shall be kept in

a suitable form so as to permit any consultation in a confidential

manner at a later date.

(b) Copies of the appropriate records shall be

supplied to the Authority on request; individual workers shall, at

their request, have access to their own personal health records.

(c) The employer shall take appropriate measures

to ensure that the doctor or the competent person as is referred to in

sub-regulation (2) of this regulation has access to the results of the

risk assessment referred to in regulation 4 where such results may

be relevant to the health surveillance.

(5) In any event, where exposure above the limit values

is detected, a medical examination shall be made available by the

employer to any worker concerned. This medical examination

shall also be carried out where, as a result of health surveillance,

a worker is found to have an identifiable disease or adverse health

effect which is considered by a doctor or competent person to be

the result of exposure to artificial optical radiation at work. In both

cases, when limit values are exceeded or adverse health effects,

including diseases, are identified

(a) the worker shall be informed by the doctor or other

suitably competent person of the result which relates to him

personally, and shall, in particular, receive information and

advice regarding any health surveillance which he should

undergo following the end of exposure;

(b) the employer shall be informed of any significant

findings from the health surveillance, taking into account any

medical confidentiality;

(c)

the employer shall

(i) review the risk assessment carried out

pursuant to regulation 4,

(ii) review the measures provided for to eliminate

or reduce risks pursuant to regulation 5,

(iii) take into account the advice of the competent

person or the Authority in implementing any measure

required to eliminate or reduce risk in accordance with

regulation 5, and

(iv) arrange continued health surveillance and

provide for a review of the health status of any other

worker who has been similarly exposed. In such cases,

the doctor or competent person or the Authority may

propose that exposed persons undergo an adequate

medical examination.

In any proceedings for an offence under these regulations

consisting of failure to comply with a duty or requirement to do

something, or to do something so far as is reasonably practicable,

it shall be for the accused to prove, as the case may be, that it was

not practicable or not reasonably practicable to do more than was

in fact done to satisfy the duty or requirement, or there was no

better practicable means than was in fact used to satisfy the duty or

requirement.

(1) Any breach by any person of any provision of

these regulations shall be deemed an offence.

(2) Any person who knowingly or recklessly interferes

with the performance of a duty or obligation by a person under

these regulations shall be guilty of an offence.

B