Safety first with UV light
14/05/2010
Occupational UV light exposure in Great Britain is now subject to the new Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010, which brought into law the European Physical Agents (Artificial Optical Radiation 2006/25/EC) Directive. This incorporates statutory UV light exposure limit values (ELVs) which became law on 27 April 2010. It specifies the minimum health and safety requirements for protection of workers from risks arising from exposure to UV light and provides clarity on precisely what is required for safe use of UV light in the workplace.
It states that employers must determine personal UV light exposure levels and compare with the exposure limit values as a means of assessing risk and necessary controls. Workers must not be exposed above the exposure limit values and must be provided with specific information and training.
An article in this month's Insight* presents further details and background on UV light and exposure limit values and provides an insight into the new regulations, creating awareness and assisting those responsible for the health and safety of persons exposed to UV light in the workplace, to identify their duties and possible obligations to revise existing risk assessments under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Ensuring compliance with the UV light exposure limits by appropriate control measures and providing appropriate information and training will not only mean that employers meet their obligations, but will build confidence and acceptance of safe working practices by the workforce.
*P Jackson, 'Safety first with UV light', Insight, Vol 52, No 5, pp 258 – 261, May 2010.
