Directive 2006/25/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from physical agents (artificial optical radiation) (19th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
SECTION I — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Aim and scope
1. This Directive, which is the 19th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(l) of Directive 89/391/EEC, lays 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.
2. This Directive refers 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.
3. Directive 89/391/EEC shall apply fully to the whole area referred to in paragraph 1, without prejudice to more stringent and/or more specific provisions contained in this Directive.
Definitions
For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
optical radiation: 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 (780-1 400 nm), IRB (1 400-3 000 nm) and IRC (3 000 nm-1 mm);
(b)
laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation): 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;
(c)
laser radiation: optical radiation from a laser;
(d)
non-coherent radiation: any optical radiation other than laser radiation;
(e)
exposure limit values: 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;
(f)
irradiance (E) or power density: the radiant power incident per unit area upon a surface expressed in watts per square metre (W m -2 );
(g)
radiant exposure (H): the time integral of the irradiance, expressed in joules per square metre (J m -2 );
(h)
radiance (L): 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 );
(i)
level: the combination of irradiance, radiant exposure and radiance to which a worker is exposed.
Exposure limit values
1. The exposure limit values for non-coherent radiation, other than that emitted by natural sources of optical radiation, are as set out in Annex I.
2. The exposure limit values for laser radiation are as set out in Annex II.
SECTION II — OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYERS
Determination of exposure and assessment of risks
1. In carrying out the obligations laid down in Articles 6(3) and 9(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer, in the case of workers exposed to artificial sources of optical radiation, 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 paragraph 1 shall be planned and carried out by competent services or persons at suitable intervals, taking particular account of the provisions of Articles 7 and 11 of Directive 89/391/EEC concerning the necessary competent services or persons and the consultation and participation of workers. The data obtained from the assessment, including those obtained from the measurement and/or calculation of the level of exposure referred to in paragraph 1 shall be preserved in a suitable form so as to permit their consultation at a later stage.
3. Pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 89/391/EEC, 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 Article 3 of this Directive;
(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 Article 9(1)(a) of Directive 89/391/EEC and shall identify which measures must be taken in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of this Directive. The risk assessment shall be recorded on a suitable medium, according to national law and practice; 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.
Provisions aimed at avoiding or reducing risks
1. Taking account of technical progress and of the availability of measures to control the risk at source, the risks arising from exposure to artificial optical radiation shall be eliminated or reduced to a minimum.
The reduction of risks arising from exposure to artificial optical radiation shall be based on the general principles of prevention set out in Directive 89/391/EEC.
2. Where the risk assessment carried out in accordance with Article 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 Article 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 Council Directive 92/58/EEC of 24 June 1992 on the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs at work (9th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) ( 11 ) . 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 this Directive 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.
5. Pursuant to Article 15 of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall adapt the measures referred to in this Article to the requirements of workers belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups.
Worker information and training
Without prejudice to Articles 10 and 12 of Directive 89/391/EEC, 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 Article 4 of this Directive, concerning in particular:
(a)
measures taken to implement this Directive;
(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 Article 4 of this Directive 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
Consultation and participation of workers and/or of their representatives shall take place in accordance with Article 11 of Directive 89/391/EEC on the matters covered by this Directive.
SECTION III — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Health surveillance
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, Member States shall adopt provisions to ensure appropriate health surveillance of workers pursuant to Article 14 of Directive 89/391/EEC.
2. Member States shall ensure that health surveillance is carried out by a doctor, an occupational health professional or a medical authority responsible for health surveillance in accordance with national law and practice.
3. Member States shall establish arrangements to ensure that, for each worker who undergoes health surveillance in accordance with paragraph 1, individual health records are made and kept up to date. Health records shall contain a summary of the results of the health surveillance carried out. They shall be kept in a suitable form so as to permit consultation at a later date, taking into account any confidentiality. Copies of the appropriate records shall be supplied to the competent authority on request, taking into account any confidentiality. The employer shall take appropriate measures to ensure that the doctor, the occupational health professional or the medical authority responsible for the health surveillance, as determined by Member States as appropriate, has access to the results of the risk assessment referred to in Article 4 where such results may be relevant to the health surveillance. Individual workers shall, at their request, have access to their own personal health records.
4. In any event, where exposure above the limit values is detected, a medical examination shall be made available to the worker(s) concerned in accordance with national law and practice. 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 occupational health professional 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 qualified person of the result which relates to him personally. He 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 of the health surveillance, taking into account any medical confidentiality;
(c)
the employer shall:
—
review the risk assessment carried out pursuant to Article 4,
—
review the measures provided for to eliminate or reduce risks pursuant to Article 5,
—
take into account the advice of the occupational health professional or other suitably qualified person or the competent authority in implementing any measure required to eliminate or reduce risk in accordance with Article 5, and
—
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 competent doctor or occupational health professional or the competent authority may propose that the exposed persons undergo a medical examination.
Penalties
Member States shall provide for adequate penalties to be applicable in the event of infringement of the national legislation adopted pursuant to this Directive. These penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Technical amendments
1. Any modification of the exposure limit values set out in the Annexes shall be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 137(2) of the Treaty.
2. Amendments to the Annexes of a strictly technical nature in line with:
(a)
the adoption of Directives in the field of technical harmonisation and standardisation with regard to the design, building, manufacture or construction of work equipment and/or workplaces;
(b)
technical progress, changes in the most relevant harmonised European standards or international specifications, and new scientific findings concerning occupational exposure to optical radiation,
shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 11(2).
Committee
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee referred to in Article 17 of Directive 89/391/EEC.
2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.
The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months.
3. The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.
SECTION IV — FINAL PROVISIONS
Reports
Every five years Member States shall provide the Commission with a report on the practical implementation of this Directive, indicating the points of view of the social partners.
Every five years the Commission shall inform the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work of the content of these reports, of its assessment of these reports, of developments in the field in question and of any action that may be warranted in the light of new scientific knowledge.
Practical guide
In order to facilitate implementation of this Directive the Commission shall draw up a practical guide to the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 and Annexes I and II.
Transposition
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 27 April 2010. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States.
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the provisions of national law which they adopt or have already adopted in the field covered by this Directive.
Entry into force
This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Addressees
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Supplementary provisions
Non-coherent optical radiation
ANNEX ISupplementary provisions
ANNEX I
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.
(a)
(H eff is only relevant in the range 180 to 400 nm)
(b)
(H UVA is only relevant in the range 315 to 400 nm)
(c), (d)
(L B is only relevant in the range 300 to 700 nm)
(e), (f)
(E B is only relevant in the range 300 to 700 nm)
(g) to (l)
(See Table 1.1 for appropriate values of λ 1 and λ 2 )
(m), (n)
(E IR is only relevant in the range 780 to 3 000 nm)
(o)
(H skin is only relevant in the range 380 to 3 000 nm)
For the purposes of this Directive, the formulae above can be replaced by the following expressions and the use of discrete values as set out in the following tables:
(a)
and
(b)
and
(c), (d)
(e), (f)
(g) to (l)
(See Table 1.1 for appropriate values of λ 1 and λ 2 )
(m), (n)
(o)
and
Notes:
Eλ (λ,t), Eλ
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 Eλ (λ, t) and E λ come from measurements or may be provided by the manufacturer of the equipment;
E eff
effective irradiance
(UV range) : calculated irradiance within the UV wavelength range 180 to 400 nm spectrally weighted by S (λ), expressed in watts per square metre [W m -2 ];
H
radiant exposure : the time integral of the irradiance, expressed in joules per square metre [J m -2 ];
H eff
effective radiant exposure : radiant exposure spectrally weighted by S (λ), expressed in joules per square metre [J m - 2 ];
E UVA
total irradiance (UVA) : calculated irradiance within the UVA wavelength range 315 to 400 nm, expressed in watts per square metre [W m -2 ];
H UVA
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 [J m -2 ];
S (λ)
spectral weighting taking into account the wavelength dependence of the health effects of UV radiation on eye and skin, (Table 1.2) [dimensionless];
t, Δt
time, duration of the exposure , expressed in seconds [s];
λ
wavelength , expressed in nanometres [nm];
Δ λ
bandwidth, expressed in nanometres [nm], of the calculation or measurement intervals;
Lλ (λ), L λ
spectral radiance
of the source expressed in watts per square metre per steradian per nanometre [W m - 2 sr -1 nm -1 ];
R (λ)
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];
L R
effective radiance
(thermal injury ): calculated radiance spectrally weighted by R (λ) expressed in watts per square metre per steradian [W m - 2 sr –1 ];
B (λ)
spectral weighting taking into account the wavelength dependence of the photochemical injury caused to the eye by blue light radiation (Table 1.3) [dimensionless];
L B
effective radiance
(blue light) : calculated radiance spectrally weighted by B (λ), expressed in watts per square metre per steradian [ W m - 2 sr –1 ];
E B
effective irradiance (blue light) : calculated irradiance spectrally weighted by B (λ) expressed in watts per square metre [W m - 2 ];
E IR
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 ];
E skin
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 ];
H skin
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 );
α
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
a.
180-400
(UVA, UVB and UVC)
H eff = 30
Daily value 8 hours
[J m -2 ]
eye
cornea
conjunctiva
lens
skin
photokeratitis
conjunctivitis
cataractogenesis
erythema
elastosis
skin cancer
b.
315-400
(UVA)
H UVA = 10 4
Daily value 8 hours
[J m -2 ]
eye lens
cataractogenesis
c.
300-700
(Blue light) see note
1
for t ≤ 10 000 s
L B :[W m -2 sr -1 ]
t: [seconds]
for α ≥ 11 mrad
eye retina
photoretinitis
d.
300-700
(Blue light)
see note 1
L B = 100
for t > 10 000 s
[W m -2 sr -1 ]
e.
300-700
(Blue light)
see note 1
for t ≤ 10 000 s
E B : [W m -2 ]
t: [seconds]
for α < 11 mrad
see note 2
f.
300-700
(Blue light)
see note 1
E B = 0,01
t >10 000 s
[W m -2 ]
g.
380-1 400
(Visible and IRA)
for t >10 s
[W m -2 sr -1 ]
C α = 1,7 for
α ≤ 1,7 mrad
C α = α for
1,7 ≤ α ≤ 100 mrad
C α = 100 for
α > 100 mrad
λ 1 = 380; λ 2 = 1 400
eye retina
retinal burn
h.
380-1 400
(Visible and IRA)
for 10 μs ≤ t ≤ 10 s
L R :[W m -2 sr -1 ]
t: [seconds]
i.
380-1 400
(Visible and IRA)
for t <10 μs
[W m -2 sr -1 ]
j.
780-1 400
(IRA)
for t > 10 s
[W m -2 sr -1 ]
C α = 11 for
α ≤ 11 mrad
C α = α for
11≤ α ≤ 100 mrad
C α = 100 for
α > 100 mrad
(measurement field-of-view: 11 mrad)
λ 1 = 780; λ 2 = 1 400
eye retina
retinal burn
k.
780-1 400
(IRA)
for 10 μs ≤ t ≤ 10 s
L R : [W m -2 sr -1 ]
t: [seconds]
l.
780-1 400
(IRA)
for t < 10 μs
[W m -2 sr -1 ]
m.
780-3 000
(IRA and IRB)
E IR = 18 000 t -0
,
75
for t ≤ 1 000 s
E: [W m -2 ]
t: [seconds]
eye
cornea
lens
corneal burn
cataractogenesis
n.
780-3 000
(IRA and IRB)
E IR = 100
for t > 1 000 s
[W m -2 ]
o.
380-3 000
(Visible, IRA
and IRB)
H skin = 20 000 t 0
,
25
for t < 10 s
H: [J m -2 ]
t: [seconds]
skin
burn
Note 1 :
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.
Note 2 :
For steady fixation of very small sources with an angular subtense < 11 mrad, L B 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 B with E B expressed in W m -2 . Due to eye movements during normal visual tasks this does not exceed 100 s.
Table 1.2
S (λ) [dimensionless], 180 nm to 400 nm
λ in nm
S (λ)
λ in nm
S (λ)
λ in nm
S (λ)
λ in nm
S (λ)
λ in nm
S (λ)
180
0,0120
228
0,1737
276
0,9434
324
0,000520
372
0,000086
181
0,0126
229
0,1819
277
0,9272
325
0,000500
373
0,000083
182
0,0132
230
0,1900
278
0,9112
326
0,000479
374
0,000080
183
0,0138
231
0,1995
279
0,8954
327
0,000459
375
0,000077
184
0,0144
232
0,2089
280
0,8800
328
0,000440
376
0,000074
185
0,0151
233
0,2188
281
0,8568
329
0,000425
377
0,000072
186
0,0158
234
0,2292
282
0,8342
330
0,000410
378
0,000069
187
0,0166
235
0,2400
283
0,8122
331
0,000396
379
0,000066
188
0,0173
236
0,2510
284
0,7908
332
0,000383
380
0,000064
189
0,0181
237
0,2624
285
0,7700
333
0,000370
381
0,000062
190
0,0190
238
0,2744
286
0,7420
334
0,000355
382
0,000059
191
0,0199
239
0,2869
287
0,7151
335
0,000340
383
0,000057
192
0,0208
240
0,3000
288
0,6891
336
0,000327
384
0,000055
193
0,0218
241
0,3111
289
0,6641
337
0,000315
385
0,000053
194
0,0228
242
0,3227
290
0,6400
338
0,000303
386
0,000051
195
0,0239
243
0,3347
291
0,6186
339
0,000291
387
0,000049
196
0,0250
244
0,3471
292
0,5980
340
0,000280
388
0,000047
197
0,0262
245
0,3600
293
0,5780
341
0,000271
389
0,000046
198
0,0274
246
0,3730
294
0,5587
342
0,000263
390
0,000044
199
0,0287
247
0,3865
295
0,5400
343
0,000255
391
0,000042
200
0,0300
248
0,4005
296
0,4984
344
0,000248
392
0,000041
201
0,0334
249
0,4150
297
0,4600
345
0,000240
393
0,000039
202
0,0371
250
0,4300
298
0,3989
346
0,000231
394
0,000037
203
0,0412
251
0,4465
299
0,3459
347
0,000223
395
0,000036
204
0,0459
252
0,4637
300
0,3000
348
0,000215
396
0,000035
205
0,0510
253
0,4815
301
0,2210
349
0,000207
397
0,000033
206
0,0551
254
0,5000
302
0,1629
350
0,000200
398
0,000032
207
0,0595
255
0,5200
303
0,1200
351
0,000191
399
0,000031
208
0,0643
256
0,5437
304
0,0849
352
0,000183
400
0,000030
209
0,0694
257
0,5685
305
0,0600
353
0,000175
210
0,0750
258
0,5945
306
0,0454
354
0,000167
211
0,0786
259
0,6216
307
0,0344
355
0,000160
212
0,0824
260
0,6500
308
0,0260
356
0,000153
213
0,0864
261
0,6792
309
0,0197
357
0,000147
214
0,0906
262
0,7098
310
0,0150
358
0,000141
215
0,0950
263
0,7417
311
0,0111
359
0,000136
216
0,0995
264
0,7751
312
0,0081
360
0,000130
217
0,1043
265
0,8100
313
0,0060
361
0,000126
218
0,1093
266
0,8449
314
0,0042
362
0,000122
219
0,1145
267
0,8812
315
0,0030
363
0,000118
220
0,1200
268
0,9192
316
0,0024
364
0,000114
221
0,1257
269
0,9587
317
0,0020
365
0,000110
222
0,1316
270
1,0000
318
0,0016
366
0,000106
223
0,1378
271
0,9919
319
0,0012
367
0,000103
224
0,1444
272
0,9838
320
0,0010
368
0,000099
225
0,1500
273
0,9758
321
0,000819
369
0,000096
226
0,1583
274
0,9679
322
0,000670
370
0,000093
227
0,1658
275
0,9600
323
0,000540
371
0,000090
Table 1.3
B (λ), R (λ) [dimensionless], 380 nm to 1 400 nm
λ in nm
B (λ)
R (λ)
300 ≤ λ < 380
0,01
—
380
0,01
0,1
385
0,013
0,13
390
0,025
0,25
395
0,05
0,5
400
0,1
1
405
0,2
2
410
0,4
4
415
0,8
8
420
0,9
9
425
0,95
9,5
430
0,98
9,8
435
1
10
440
1
10
445
0,97
9,7
450
0,94
9,4
455
0,9
9
460
0,8
8
465
0,7
7
470
0,62
6,2
475
0,55
5,5
480
0,45
4,5
485
0,32
3,2
490
0,22
2,2
495
0,16
1,6
500
0,1
1
500 < λ ≤ 600
10 0,02 ·(450- λ )
1
600 < λ ≤ 700
0,001
1
700 < λ ≤ 1 050
—
10 0,002 · (700 - λ )
1 050 < λ ≤ 1 150
—
0,2
1 150 < λ ≤ 1 200
—
0,2 · 10 0,02 ·(1 150 - λ )
1 200 < λ ≤ 1 400
—
0,02
Laser optical radiation
ANNEX IISupplementary provisions
ANNEX II
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.
Text of image
Text of image
Notes:
dP
power expressed in watt [W];
dA
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;
H
radiant exposure : the time integral of the irradiance, expressed in joules per square metre [J m -2 ];
t
time, duration of the exposure , expressed in seconds [s];
λ
wavelength , expressed in nanometres [nm];
γ
limiting cone angle
of measurement field-of-view expressed in milliradians [mrad];
γ m
measurement field of view expressed in milliradians [mrad];
α
angular subtense
of a source expressed in milliradians [mrad];
limiting aperture : the circular area over which irradiance and radiant exposure are averaged ;
G
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]
λ
Radiation range
Affected organ
Hazard
Exposure limit value table
180 to 400
UV
eye
photochemical damage and thermal damage
2.2, 2.3
180 to 400
UV
skin
erythema
2.4
400 to 700
visible
eye
retinal damage
2.2
400 to 600
visible
eye
photochemical damage
2.3
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 2.2
Exposure limit values for laser exposure to the eye — Short exposure duration < 10 s
Text of image
Wavelength a [nm]
Aperture
Duration [s]
10 -13 — 10 -11
10 -11 — 10 -9
10 -9 — 10 -7
10 -7 — 1,8 · 10 -5
1,8· 10 -5 — 5 · 10 -5
5 · 10 -5 — 10 -3
10 -3 — 10 1
UVC
180 — 280
1 mm for t<0,3 s; 1,5 · t 0,375 for 0,3<t<10 s
E = 3 · 10 10 · [W m -2 ]
See note c
UVB
280 — 302
H = 30 [J m -2 ]
303
H = 40 [J m -2 ]; if t < 2,6 · 10 -9 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
304
H = 60 [J m -2 ]; if t < 1,3 · 10 -8 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
305
H = 100 [J m -2 ]; if t < 1,0 · 10 -7 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
306
H = 160 [J m -2 ]; if t < 6,7 · 10 -7 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
307
H = 250 [J m -2 ]; if t < 4,0 · 10 -6 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
308
H = 400 [J m -2 ]; if t < 2,6 · 10 -5 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
309
H = 630 [J m -2 ]; if t < 1,6 · 10 -4 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
310
H = 10 3 [J m -2 ]; if t < 1,0 · 10 -3 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
311
H = 1,6 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]; if t < 6,7 · 10 -3 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
312
H = 2,5 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]; if t < 4,0 · 10 -2 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
313
H = 4,0 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]; if t < 2,6 · 10 -1 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
314
H = 6,3· 10 3 [J m -2 ]; if t < 1,6 · 10 0 then H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ] see note d
UVA
315 — 400
H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ]
Visible& IRA
400 — 700
7 mm
H = 1,5 · 10 -4 C E [J m -2 ]
H = 2,7 · 10 4 t 0,75 C E [J m -2 ]
H = 5 · 10 -3 C E [J m -2 ]
H = 18 · t 0,75 C E [J m -2 ]
700 — 1 050
H = 1,5 · 10 -4 C A C E [J m -2 ]
H=2,7 · 10 4 t 0,75 C A C E [J m -2 ]
H = 5· 10 -3 C A C E [J m -2 ]
H = 18 ·t 0,75 C A C E [J m -2 ]
1 050 - 1 400
H = 1,5 · 10 -3 C C C E [J m -2 ]
H =2,7 · 10 5 t 0,75 C C C E [J m -2 ]
H = 5 · 10 -2 C C C E [J m -2 ]
H = 90 · t 0,75 C C C E [J m -2 ]
IRB & IRC
1 400 — 1 500
See note b
E = 10 12 [W m -2 ] See note c
H = 10 3 [J m -2 ]
H = 5,6 · 10 3 t 0,25 [J m -2 ]
1 500 — 1 800
E = 10 13 [W m -2 ] See note c
H = 10 4 [J m -2 ]
1 800 — 2 600
E = 10 12 [W m -2 ] See note c
H = 10 3 [J m -2 ]
H = 5,6 · 10 3 · t 0,25 [J m -2 ]
2 600 — 10 6
E = 10 11 [W m -2 ] See note c
H = 100 [J m -2 ]
H = 5,6 · 10 3 · t 0,25 [J m -2 ]
a If the wavelength of the laser is covered by two limits, then the more restrictive applies.
b When 1 400≤λ<10 5 nm: aperture diameter = 1 mm for t ≤ 0,3 s and 1,5 t 0,375 mm for 0,3 s < t < 10 s; when 10 5 ≤λ<10 6 nm: aperture diameter = 11 mm.
c Due to lack of data at these pulse lengths, ICNIRP recommends the use of the 1 ns irradiance limits.
d The table states values for single laser pulses. In case of multiple laser pulses, then the laser pulse durations of pulses falling within an interval T min (listed in table 2.6) must be added up and the resulting time value must be filled in for t in the formula: 5,6 10 3 t 0,25 .
Table 2.3
Exposure limit values for laser exposure to the eye — Long exposure duration ≥ 10 s
Text of image
Wavelength a [nm]
Aperture
Duration [s]
10 1 — 10 2
10 2 — 10 4
10 4 — 3 · 10 4
UVC
180 — 280
H = 30 [J m -2 ]
280 — 302
3,5 mm
UVB
303
H = 40 [J m -2 ]
304
H = 60 [J m -2 ]
305
H = 100 [J m -2 ]
306
H = 160 [J m -2 ]
307
H = 250 [J m -2 ]
308
H = 400 [J m -2 ]
309
H = 630 [J m -2 ]
310
H = 1,0 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]
311
H = 1,6 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]
312
H = 2,5 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]
313
H = 4,0 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]
314
H = 6,3 · 10 3 [J m -2 ]
UVA
315 — 400
H = 10 4 [J m -2 ]
Visible
400 — 700
400 — 600 Photochemical b Retinal damage
7 mm
H = 100 C B [J m -2 ]
(γ = 11 mrad) d
E = 1 C B [W m -2 ]; (γ = 1,1 t 0,5 mrad) d
E = 1 C B [W m -2 ]
(γ = 110 mrad) d
400 — 700 Thermal b Retinal damage
if α < 1,5 mrad then E = 10 [W m -2 ]
if α > 1,5 mrad and t ≤ T 2 then H = 18 C E t 0,75 [J m -2 ]
if α > 1,5 mrad and t > T 2 then E = 18 C E T 2
-0,25 [W m -2 ]
IRA
700 — 1 400
7 mm
if α < 1,5 mrad then E = 10 C A C C [W m -2 ]
if α > 1,5 mrad and t ≤ T 2 then H = 18 C A C C C E t 0,75 [J m -2 ]
if α > 1,5 mrad and t > T 2 then E = 18 C A C C C E T 2
-0,25 [W m -2 ] (not to exceed 1 000 W m -2 )
IRB & IRC
1 400 — 10 6
See c
E = 1 000 [W m -2 ]
a If the wavelength or another condition of the laser is covered by two limits, then the more restrictive applies.
b For small sources subtending an angle of 1,5 mrad or less, the visible dual limits E from 400 nm to 600 nm reduce to the thermal limits for 10 s≤ t<T 1 and to photochemical limits for longer times. For T 1 and T 2 see Table 2.5. The photochemical retinal hazard limit may also be expressed as a time integrated radiance G = 10 6 C B [J m -2 sr -1 ] for t > 10s up to t = 10 000 s and L = 100 C B [W m -2 sr -1 ] for t > 10 000 s. For the measurement of G and L γ m must be used as averaging field of view. The official border between visible and infrared is 780 nm as defined by the CIE. The column with wavelength band names is only meant to provide better overview for the user. (The notation G is used by CEN; the notation L t is used by CIE; the notation L P is used by IEC and CENELEC.)
c For wavelength 1 400 — 10 5 nm: aperture diameter = 3,5 mm; for wavelength 10 5 — 10 6 nm: aperture Diameter = 11 mm.
d For measurement of the exposure value the consideration of γ is defined as follows: If α (angular subtense of a source) > γ (limiting cone angle, indicated in brackets in the corresponding column) then the measurement field of view γ m should be the given value of γ. (If a larger measurement field of view is used, then the hazard would be overestimated).
If α < γ then the measurement field of view γ m must be large enough to fully enclose the source but is otherwise not limited and may be larger than γ.
Table 2.4
Exposure limit values for laser exposure of skin
Text of image
Wavelength a [nm]
Aperture
Duration [s]
< 10 -9
10 -9 — 10 -7
10 -7 — 10 -3
10 -3 — 10 1
10 1 — 10 3
10 3 — 3 · 10 4
UV (A, B, C)
180-400
3. 5mm
E = 3 · 10 10 [W m -2 ]
Same as eye exposure limits
Visible and IRA
400-700
3. 5mm
E = 2 · 10 11 [W m -2 ]
H=200 C A
[J m -2 ]
H = 1,1 · 10 4 C A t 0,25 [J m -2 ]
E = 2 · 10 3 C A [W m -2 ]
700-1 400
E = 2 · 10 11 C A [W m -2 ]
IRB and IRC
1 400-1 500
E = 10 12 [W m -2 ]
Same as eye exposure limits
1 500-1 800
E = 10 13 [W m -2 ]
1 800-2 600
E = 10 12 [W m -2 ]
2 600-10 6
E = 10 11 [W m -2 ]
a If the wavelength or another condition of the laser is covered by two limits, then the more restrictive applies.
Table 2.5
Applied correction factors and other calculation parameters
Parameter as listed in ICNIRP
Valid spectral range (nm)
Value
C A
λ < 700
C A = 1,0
700 — 1 050
C A = 10 0,002 (λ - 700)
1 050 — 1 400
C A = 5,0
C B
400 — 450
C B = 1,0
450 — 700
C B = 10 0,02 (λ
- 450)
C C
700 — 1 150
C C = 1,0
1 150 — 1 200
C C = 10 0,018 (λ - 1 150 )
1 200 — 1 400
C C = 8,0
T 1
λ < 450
T 1 = 10 s
450 — 500
T 1 = 10 · [10 0,02 (
λ
- 450) ] s
λ > 500
T 1 = 100 s
Parameter as listed in ICNIRP
Valid for biological effect
Value
α min
all thermal effects
α min = 1,5 mrad
Parameter as listed in ICNIRP
Valid angular range (mrad)
Value
C E
α < α min
C E = 1,0
α min < α < 100
C E = α/α min
α > 100
C E = α 2 /(α min · α max ) mrad with α max = 100 mrad
T 2
α < 1,5
T 2 = 10 s
1,5 < α < 100
T 2 = 10 · [10 (α - 1,5 ) / 98,5 ] s
α > 100
T 2 = 100 s
Parameter as listed in ICNIRP
Valid exposure time range (s)
Value
γ
t ≤ 100
γ = 11 [mrad]
100 < t < 10 4
γ = 1,1 t 0,5 [mrad]
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 (nm)
Value
T min
315 <λ≤ 400
T min = 10 -9 s (= 1 ns)
400 <λ≤ 1 050
T min = 18· 10 -6 s (= 18 μs)
1 050 <λ≤ 1 400
T min = 50· 10 -6 s (= 50 μs)
1 400 <λ≤ 1 500
T min = 10 -3 s (= 1 ms)
1 500 <λ≤ 1 800
T min = 10 s
1 800 <λ≤ 2 600
T min = 10 -3 s (= 1 ms)
2 600 <λ≤ 10 6
T min = 10 -7 s (= 100 ns)
Source: EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the EU), © European Union, reuse permitted under Commission Decision 2011/833/EU.
