WORK PLACE (MINIMUM HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS FROM RISKS RESULTING FROM

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 646.22

WORK PLACE (MINIMUM HEALTH AND SAFETY

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF

WORKERS FROM RISKS RESULTING FROM

EXPOSURE TO ARTIFICIAL OPTICAL RADIATION)

REGULATIONS

30th April, 2010

LEGAL NOTICE 250 of 2010, as amended by Act XXXIII of 2024.

(1) The title of these regulations is the Work Place

(Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for the Protection of

Workers from Risks resulting from Exposure to Artificial Optical

Radiation) Regulations.

(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 (o) refers to corresponding rows of Table 1.1.

 = 400nm

t





(H eff is only relevant in the

E  t  S(  d  dt

(a)

H eff =

range 180 to 400 nm)

 = 180 nm

 = 400nm

t





(H UVA= is only relevant in

E    d  dt

(b)

H UVA =

the range 315 to 400 nm)

 = 315 nm

 = 700nm



(L B= is only relevant in the range

L    B(  d

(c), (d)

L B =

300 to 700 nm)

 = 300 nm

 = 700nm



(E B= is only relevant in the range

E    B(  d

(e), (f)

E B =

300 to 700 nm)

 = 300 nm

 



(See Table 1.1 for appropriate

L    R(  d

(g) to (l)

L R =

values of   and  )

 

 = 3000nm



(E R= is only relevant in the range

E    d

(m), (n)

E R =

780 to 3 000 nm)

 = 780 nm

 = 3000nm

t





(H skin is only relevant in the

E  t  d  dt

(o)

H skin =

range 380 to 3 000 nm)

 = 380 nm

For the purposes of these regulations the formulae above can be replaced by the

following expressions and the use of discrete values as set out in the following

tables

 = 400nm

 E  S( Δ

(a)

E eff =

and H eff = E eff  Δt

 



 = 180 nm

 = 400nm

 E  Δ

(b)

E UVA =

and H UVA = E UVA  Δt

 

 = 315 nm

 = 700nm

 L  B( Δ

(c), (d)

L B =

 



 = 300 nm

 = 700nm

 E  B( Δ

(e), (f)

E B =

 



 = 300 nm

 

 L  R( Δ

(See Table 1.1 for appropriate

L R =

 



values of   and  )

 

 = 3000nm

 E  Δ

E IR =

 

 = 370 nm

 = 3000nm

 E  Δ

(o)

E skin =

and H skin = E skin  Δt

 

 = 380 nm

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 -1 ]; values of E (, t) and

E  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

(), 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 (), 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;

spectral radiance of the source expressed in watts per square

metre per steradian per nanometre [W m -2 sr -1 nm -1 ];

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 () expressed in watts per square metre per

steradian [W m -2 sr -1 ];

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 (), expressed in watts per square metre per

steradian [W m -2 sr -1 ];

effective irradiance (blue light): calculated irradiance spectrally

weighted by B () 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 (J 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 1.3

B (), R () [dimensionless], 380 run to 1400 nm

 in nm

B ()

R ()

300 <  < 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

0,62

6,2

0,55

5,5

0,45

4,5

0,32

3,2

0,22

2,2

0,16

1,6

0,1

10 0,02 (450-)

500 <  < 600



600 <  < 700

0,001

10 0,002 (700 - )

700 <  < 1 050

-

1050 <  < 1150

-

0,2

0,2 10 0,02 (1 150-)

1 150 <  < 1 200

-





1 200 <  < 1 400

-

0,02

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires -

"Act" means the Health and Safety at Work Act;

"Authority" means the Occupational Health and Safety Authority

established by article 4 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.

dP

[W m -2 ]

dA

 E(t) dt [J m -2 ]



power expressed in watt [W];

surface expressed in square metres [m 2 ];

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 [J m -2 ];

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

wavelength, expressed in nanometres [nm];

limiting cone angle of measurement field-of-view expressed in

milliradians [mrad];

measurement field of view expressed in milliradians [mrad];

angular subtense of a source expressed in milliradians [mrad]

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 unit area of a radiating surface per

unit solid angle of emission, in joules per square metre per steradian [J

m -2 sr -1 ].

Table 2.1

Radiation hazards

Wavelength [nm]

Radiation

Affected

Hazard

Exposure limit

range

organ

value table



180 to 400

UV

eye

photochemical

2.2, 2.3

damage and thermal

damage

180 to 400

UV

skin

erythema

2.4

400 to 700

visible

eye

retinal damage

2.2

400 to 600

visible

eye

photochemical

2.3

damage

400 to 700

visible

skin

thermal damage

2.4

700 to 1 400

IRA

eye

thermal damage

2.2, 2.3

700 to 1 400

IRA

skin

thermal damage

2.4

1 400 to 2 600

IRB

eye

thermal damage

2.2

2 600 to 10 6

IRC

eye

thermal damage

2.2

1 400 to 10 6

IRB, IRC

eye

thermal damage

2.3

1 400 to 10 6

IRB, IRC

skin

thermal damage

2.4

Table 2.5

Applied correction factors and other calculation parameters

Parameter as listed in

Valid spectral range

Value

ICNIRP

(nm)

 < 700

C A = 1,0

C A = 10 0,002( - 700)

C A

700 - 1 050

1 050 - 1 400

C A = 5,0

400 - 450

C B = 1,0

C B

C B = 10 0,02( - 450)

450 - 700

Parameter as listed in

Valid spectral range

Value

ICNIRP

(nm)

700 - 1 150

C C = 1,0

C C = 10 0,018( - 1 150)

C C

1 150 - 1 200

1 200 - 1 400

C C = 8,0

 < 450

T 1 = 10 s

T 1 = 10 [ 10 0,02( - 450) ] S

450 - 500



 > 500

T 1 = 100 s

Parameter as listed in Valid for biological

Value

ICNIRP

effect

α min

all thermal effects

α min = 1,5 mrad

Parameter as listed in Valid angular range

Value

ICNIRP

(mrad)

α < α min

C E = 1,0

α min < α < 100

C E = α/α min

C E

α > 100

C E = α2/(α min α max ) mrad with α max



= 100 mrad

α < 1,5

T 2 = 10 s

T 2 = 10 [10 (α - 1,5) / 98,5 ] S

1,5 < α < 100



α > 100

T 2 = 100 s

t < 100

γ = 11 [mrad]

100 < t < 10 4

γ = 1,1 t 0,5 [mrad]

γ

t > 10 4

γ = 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

1. The exposure from any single pulse in a train of pulses shall not exceed the

exposure limit value for a single 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

Value

(nm)

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

315 < < 400

T min = 18 10 -6 S (= 18 µs)

400 < < 1 050



T min = 50 10 -6 S (= 50 µs)

1 050 < < 1 400



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

1 400 < < 1 500

T min

1 500 < < 1 800

T min = 10 S

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

1 800 < < 2 600

2 600 < < 10 6

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

(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

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

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 Health

and Safety at Work Places Regulations. 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;

(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, 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 sub-regulation, 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. 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.

Without prejudice to the provisions of regulations 12 and

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

Regulations, 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 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, 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

G e n e r a l P r o v i s i o n s f o r H e a l t h a n d S a f e t y a t Wo r k P l a c e s

Regulations.

(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 sub-regulation

(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) 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.