AN UPDATE ON OPTICAL RADIATION SAFETY IN EUROPE

New European legislation, pertaining to optical radiation safety, will appear in 2005. The new EU-Directive adopts the already existing ICNIRP Guidelines for the ultraviolet, visible and infrared range which are internationally recognized as best practice. The legal implications for employers, utilizing optical radiation sources that present a possible hazard, are: (1) determination of health risk for employees, (2) restriction of exposure, (3) medical support, (4) training and information for employees.