1. Overview
Optical radiation is another term for light, covering ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation.
This guide will help employers understand the various risks from optical radiation and manage those risk so they can protect their workers. It covers:
- the law on optical radiation at work
- sunbeds and protecting customers from ultraviolet radiation
- protecting workers form ultraviolet radiation from the sun
- lasers in the workplace
- using interactive whiteboards safely, particularly in education
Main risks to health from optical radiation
The greatest risks to health are posed by:
- UV radiation from the sun – exposure of the eyes to UV radiation can damage the cornea and produce pain and symptoms similar to that of sand in the eye. The effects on the skin range from redness, burning and accelerated ageing through to various types of skin cancer
- the misuse of powerful lasers – high-power lasers can cause serious damage to the eye (including blindness) as well as producing skin burns