CD227 - Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations

[greenalien]

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a consultation on how it plans to implement a European Union directive to protect workers from hazardous sources of artificial light.

The artificial optical radiation directive (2006/25/EC) covers intense sources of artificial light in the workplace, particularly from UV radiation and powerful lasers, which can harm the eyes and skin of workers.

It aims to ensure that standards are set and harmonised across the EU so all workers are protected from harm arising from exposure to hazardous sources of artificial light.

The consultation document can be viewed here.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd227.htm

Interested parties and businesses are invited to comment on the draft regulations by 5th February 2010.

The HSE aims to introduce legislation by 27 April 2010.

[Doc]

Thanks for that

Looks like we're good:

"Hazardous source used?" - Yes

"Appropriate control measures in place, measures recorded?" - Yes

"No further action required"

[Stoney3K]

"Appropriate control measures in place, measures recorded?"

Keep in mind that those 'control measures' also imply humans, e.g. the operator, us. Which would probably entail a variance or permit system for laser operators around the EU.

Now I'm defintely not against that, since it would probably keep out retards with laser pointers from the clubs, and leave the serious lasering to the people who are professionally trained and have enough background knowledge.

EDIT: I had a read around the document, and it also specifies exposure limits for non-coherent radiation. Which could have a serious impact on the entertainment business, as theatre actors get a nice sun tan from the 5kW HMI follow-spots in their face every day.

[Doc]

I guarantee that this regulation will follow previous HSE form and therefore be highly contentious and guidance driven.

Quote from the document.

"Costs to HSE
31. The HSE envisages no change to its enforcement strategy when the AOR regulations come into force. As such the costs to HSE when the regulations come into force will be £0. There will be some costs to HSE during the period of developing the final set of regulations and guidance."

[greenalien]

I think one effect of this new law is that it will make the use of DJ-type 'stand alone' laser projectors illegal, unless they have scan-fail boards fitted and have all the necessary MPE calcs done, unless they are never pointed into the audience.