Health and Safety Services
Occupational UV light exposure in Great Britain is subject to the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010. The regulations specify the following requirements:
Employer’s risk assessment: employers must conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify sources of artificial optical radiation and evaluate the associated risks to their employees.
Preventative measures and controls: employers must implement appropriate measures and controls and must ensure that exposure is as low as reasonably possible (ALARP) and nobody is exposed above the exposure limits.
From site reviews, assessments to risk management training and specific training for employers & employees, the services we provide are all designed and tailored to your organisation to help you achieve compliance with this lesser-known area of health and safety in the workplace.
An informative introduction to the risks of UV, Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010, health and safety compliance, equipment selection criteria and process monitoring that is required. Includes course notes, certificate of attendance, action-plan template to guide your organisation to achieving compliance and control your risks.
Tailored site visit to make an initial assessment to determine whether a full measurement and assessment survey is necessary. Includes a report with Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 compliance recommendations.
(time allocated depends on the number of processes and complexity)
Full measurement and assessment survey tailored to your equipment and processes. Comprehensive report includes findings, statement of compliance/non-compliance with the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010. Recommendations regarding engineering and administration control measures and employee training as required by the regulations.
(time allocated depends on the number of processes and complexity)
Hazard awareness training is one of the legal requirements of the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010. This one-hour instructor-led session is tailored to the equipment and processes for your employees. Includes course notes and certificate of attendance for your record retention, also a requirement of the regulations.
Follow-up review of the UV light process and control measures with updated report and statement of compliance/non-compliance.
For more information, please contact us on 01787 370187 or email sales@uv-light.co.uk
Health and Safety Regulations
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, it is necessary to assess the health and safety risks associated with activities affecting people in the workplace and to take measures to control risks and evidence them as far as is reasonably practicable.
UV Light Exposure, Health and Safety Overview
Exposure to UV light can cause adverse health effects, such as erythema (sunburn), photo keratoconjunctivitis, arc eye, in the short term, acute effects, and premature skin ageing, skin cancer and cataracts from repeated exposure in the long term, chronic effects. The key is to prevent over exposure by implementing exposure limits.
Occupational UV light exposure in Great Britain is subject to the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safety and protection of workers who may be exposed to artificial optical radiation (AOR) in their workplace.
The regulations specify the following requirements:
Employer’s risk assessment: employers must conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify sources of artificial optical radiation and evaluate the associated risks to their employees. UV Light Technology’s risk management training delivers an action plan for employers to achieve compliance.
Preventative measures and controls: employers must implement appropriate measures, such as comparing employee’s exposure with the exposure limits to control exposure to AOR. Other controls may include using engineering controls, administrative controls, or providing personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary. Control measures must ensure that exposure is as low as reasonably possible (ALARP) and nobody is exposed above the exposure limits.
Evidence: there is a requirement to evidence the assessment and controls
Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010
Employer’s risk assessment – UV Light Technology’s UV risk management training delivers an action plan for employers to achieve compliance.
Preventative Measures and Controls
Engineering control measures
Containment – indiscriminate emission of UV light into the workplace must not be allowed. The use of screened areas may be appropriate. If used, screens must be made of a suitable UV blocking material, well maintained, inspected regularly and replaced as necessary.
Working position – mount below eye height of operators to ensure UV light output is not in their line of sight and irradiates the desired working area only. Switch off when not in use.
Reduction of reflected UV light – many surfaces, such as shiny metal or glossy light-coloured paints, will reflect UV light. To reduce reflected UV light, some surrounding area surfaces could be painted in a dark, matt colour.
Administrative Controls
Information and training: employers have a duty to provide the necessary information and hazard awareness training to employees regarding the risks associated with AOR exposure and must put preventive measures in place.
Hazard awareness training: anyone who could be exposed, or potentially exposed, to UV light must be provided with hazard awareness training. They must understand the risks and danger to health and the precautions to take to adequately manage the risk.
Warning labels and signs: should be used to indicate the presence of UV light.
Health monitoring: in cases where there is a potential risk to health from AOR exposure, employers are required to put in place health monitoring systems to track the health of exposed employees. A medical examination must be offered to any employees where it is known or suspected that exposure limits were exceeded, or a disease or adverse health effect is identified which is considered to be the result of exposure to artificial UV light.
On-going monitoring and compliance: employers must monitor and review exposure levels to ensure compliance with the prescribed exposure limits.
UV light exposure limits within an 8-hour period per day are as follows:
- UV (180 – 400 nm) light exposure of unprotected skin and eyes must not exceed 30 J/m² eff
- UVA (315 – 400 nm) light exposure of unprotected eyes must not exceed 10,000 J/m²
Any person who notices unusual or adverse effect thought to be due to artificial UV light exposure in the workplace should not be further exposed before consulting with a suitably qualified person.
Heightened photosensitivity issues: some people may be unusually photosensitive, exposed to photosensitising agents, aphakic (eye lens removed) or pseudophakic (artificial intraocular lens). Those affected should be identified during hazard awareness training and will require special control measures.
Limitation of access: access to an area where UV is operated should be limited only to the people directly concerned with its use or those necessary where it is being applied.
Control measures should place emphasis on engineering and administrative control measures to minimize the need for personal protective equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment
Protection of skin: areas of skin usually at risk are the back of hands, forearms, face and neck, as other areas are usually covered by clothing. Hands can be protected by wearing gloves and arms can be covered by long sleeves. In general, darker coloured, heavier fabrics with a closed weave offer a higher level of protection than light coloured, light weight fabrics with an open weave. UV blocking face shields will provide face and eye protection. Particular attention must be paid to prevent gaps in protective clothing around the neck and wrist.
Protection of eyes: we recommend that anyone exposed to UV light should wear UV blocking safety glasses or face shield.
The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 aims to safeguard the health and safety of employees who may be exposed to artificial optical radiation at any time during their time at work.
Summary of Evidence Requirements:
The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 states that employers conduct a thorough assessment of the risks associated with artificial optical radiation (AOR) exposure in the workplace. This assessment involves gathering specific evidence to ensure compliance with the regulations these include:
Identification of AOR sources: employers must provide comprehensive identification of all potential sources of artificial optical radiation in the workplace. This includes a detailed inventory of equipment and processes that emit AOR.
Measurement of AOR levels: employers are required to provide measurements or calculations of the actual levels of artificial optical radiation emitted by the identified sources. This evidence should be obtained using appropriate measuring instruments or methodologies.
Exposure duration and frequency: employers need to evidence duration and frequency of employee exposure to artificial optical radiation. This may include records of work schedules, tasks, and the proximity of employees to AOR-emitting equipment.
Risk assessment documentation: employers must maintain documentation of the risk assessment process, including records of identified hazards, the evaluation of risks, and the implementation of control measures.
Selection and effectiveness of control measures: evidence is required regarding the selection and effectiveness of control measures implemented to mitigate AOR exposure. This may include documentation of engineering controls, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used.
Training records: maintaining records demonstrating that employees have received appropriate training regarding the risks associated with AOR exposure and the preventive measures in place.
Health surveillance documentation: where health surveillance is required, employers must maintain records of health assessments, examinations, and any identified health effects related to AOR exposure.
- Monitoring and Inspection Records: Employers should provide evidence of regular monitoring and inspection activities conducted to ensure compliance with exposure limits and the effectiveness of control measures.
- Record Retention: The regulations require employers to retain all relevant records related to AOR risk assessment, control measures, training, and health surveillance for a specified period (usually several years) to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.
By gathering and maintaining this evidence, employers can demonstrate their adherence to the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 and ensure the safety and well-being of their employees in relation to AOR exposure.
If you have any questions or would like guidance regarding the regulations, please contact us on 01787 370187 or email sales@uv-light.co.uk
Free One-Hour UV Health & Safety Compliance Webinar
Join these free interactive webinars to fully understand employer and employee regulatory obligations in the assessment and control of UV light exposure. Helping you to adopt the safe use of UV in the workplace.