Artificial optical radiation (AOR) is prevalent across various industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to research and entertainment. While AOR is instrumental in numerous applications, it poses significant health risks to workers if not properly managed.
Recognising these hazards, the European Union introduced Directive 2006/25/EC to establish minimum health and safety requirements concerning workers’ exposure to AOR.
Understanding Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR)
Artificial optical radiation encompasses electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 100 nm to 1 mm, including:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (100 – 400 nm): Commonly emitted by artificial UV lamps, welding, and certain industrial processes.
- Visible light (400 – 700 nm): Emitted by lasers, LEDs, and various lighting systems.
- Infrared (IR) radiation (700 nm – 1 mm): Produced by furnaces, heat lamps, and other high-temperature equipment.
Exposure to these radiation types can lead to detrimental health effects, particularly affecting the skin and eyes.
Overview of Directive 2006/25/EC
Adopted on April 5, 2006, Directive 2006/25/EC aims to safeguard workers from risks associated with AOR by:
- Establishing Exposure Limit Values (ELVs): setting maximum permissible exposure levels to prevent adverse health effects.
- Mandating risk assessments: requiring employers to evaluate and measure AOR levels in the workplace.
- Implementing preventive measures: obliging employers to eliminate or reduce exposure risks.
- Ensuring worker information and training: mandating that workers are informed about AOR risks and protective measures.
- Providing health surveillance: requiring medical monitoring for workers exposed to AOR.
Employer responsibilities under the Directive
1. Conducting risk assessments
Employers must assess the level of AOR exposure in the workplace by:
- Identifying AOR sources: Cataloguing equipment and processes emitting AOR.
- Measuring exposure levels: Utilising appropriate instruments to quantify radiation levels.
- Evaluating exposure duration: Considering how long workers are exposed to AOR.
- Comparing with ELVs: Ensuring that exposure does not exceed established limits.
If exposure levels approach or exceed ELVs, employers must take immediate action to mitigate risks.
2. Implementing control measures
To minimise AOR exposure, employers should:
- Eliminate or substitute hazardous sources: Replace high-risk equipment with safer alternatives.
- Engineering controls: Install barriers, shields, or filters to block or reduce radiation.
- Administrative controls: Modify work schedules to limit exposure duration.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE, such as UV-blocking goggles or protective clothing.
3. Providing information and training
Employers are obligated to:
- Educate workers: Inform employees about AOR risks and safe work practices.
- Train on equipment use: Ensure workers understand how to operate AOR-emitting equipment safely.
- Update training regularly: Keep training materials current with technological and procedural changes.
4. Health Surveillance
For workers exposed to AOR, employers must:
- Conduct medical examinations: Arrange health checks to detect early signs of AOR-related health issues.
- Maintain health records: Keep confidential records of health surveillance outcomes.
- Respond to health findings: If adverse effects are detected, review and adjust risk assessments and control measures accordingly.
Health effects of AOR exposure
Acute effects
- Skin: short-term exposure can cause erythema (sunburn), photodermatitis, or thermal burns.
- Eyes: immediate effects include photo keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and photo conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), leading to pain, redness, and temporary vision impairment.
Chronic effects
- Skin: prolonged exposure increases the risk of photoaging, actinic keratosis, and skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Eyes: long-term exposure can lead to cataracts, pterygium (growth on the eye surface), and potential retinal damage, resulting in permanent vision loss.
Compliance and enforcement
Member States are responsible for transposing Directive 2006/25/EC into national legislation and ensuring compliance through:
- Inspections: Regulatory bodies conduct workplace inspections to verify adherence to the directive.
- Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines, sanctions, or operational restrictions.
- Guidance and support: Authorities provide resources and support to help employers meet their obligations.
Conclusion
Directive 2006/25/EC serves as a critical framework for protecting workers from the hazards of artificial optical radiation. By conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing effective control measures, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring ongoing health surveillance, employers can create a safer work environment and prevent the adverse health effects associated with AOR exposure.
Employers must remain vigilant and proactive in managing AOR risks, fostering a culture of safety that prioritises the well-being of all employees.