Solicitors In - Legal Update

Legal Updates
Optical radiation directive

From April 2010 new UK Regulations are planned to transpose EU Physical Agents Directive (Artificial Optical Radiation) and will apply where workers are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, visible light and lasers. Exposure to natural sunlight is NOT within the scope of the directive, neither does the directive apply to members of the public

Requirements will include assessment of worker exposure against exposure limit values (ELV's – based on current ICNIRP recommendations) including, where necessary, measuring/calculating exposure levels and consideration of particularly sensitive risk groups. Likelihood of exceeding ELV's will trigger the need for an action plan of how exposure above the limits will be prevented. Risk from exposure also triggers info/training requirements and where appropriate, health surveillance.

Impact on the BBC and the media/entertainment industry in general will depend on whether exposure from studio/location/theatre lighting is likely to exceed ELVs. Industry led research is currently underway to find this out. As far as use of lasers is concerned the new legislation is not expected to significantly alter safety standards that are currently best practice anyway within the media industry and required under existing general legal requirements.

The potential hazards associated with exposure are damage to the skin and/or eyes, including photo-retinitis (blue light over-exposure). The risks from lasers and UV light are well known but there is currently no related ill-health history for studio or location lighting.

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Article Reference: http://www.bbc.co.uk/safety/default.aspxpage2925.shtml

Photo: http://www.ptb.de/en/org/3/37/373/gleitstiel.jpg