6. Using interactive whiteboards safely
Used appropriately and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions, interactive whiteboards do not present a risk to health or safety. However, if used inappropriately, they have the potential to cause discomfort and possible damage to the eyes.
Most computer projectors used in shows, presentations and interactive whiteboards applications have projection distances large enough to allow people to stand in front of them and look at the very intense light they produce.
Anyone who does this runs the risk of exposing their eyes to light intensities that could exceed one of the exposure limits HSE uses as a guide for determining compliance with applicable legislation.
Therefore, although these exposure limits are not statutory, HSE considers the following advice to be good practice in respect of the use of these projectors by employers, particularly in the education sector.
Safety guidelines
Employers should establish work procedures for teachers or lecturers and pupils or students and give instruction on their adoption so:
- staring directly into the projector beam is avoided at all times
- standing in the beam, while facing the projector, is minimised. Users, especially pupils and students, should try to keep their backs to the beam as much as possible.
The use of a stick or laser pointer to avoid the need for the user to enter the projector beam is recommended - pupils and students are adequately supervised when they are asked to point out something on the screen
Employers should also try to ensure projectors are located so they are not in a presenter's line of sight when they stand in front of the screen to address an audience.
This ensures that, when presenters look at the audience, they do not have to stare directly at the projector lamp. The best way to achieve this is by ceiling-mounting the projector rather than mounting it on the floor or a table.
In bright rooms, it is recommended that instead of increasing the brightness of the projector in order to make the presentation visible, window blinds are used to reduce the ambient light in the room.
Ultra-short throw devices
Inherently safer ‘ultra-short throw’ devices employ sophisticated optics to enable the projector to be mounted above the display screen. They are so close to it that it becomes impossible for a user to directly expose their eyes to the beam.
Employers who use these designs therefore do not need to follow the foregoing work procedure guidance because residual eye exposure risks are wholly removed by this type of equipment's design and construction.
Given that safe work procedures may sometimes be disregarded by users, HSE considers the improved inherent safety of ‘ultra-short throw’ devices is sufficient reason for employers and organisations to actively consider them as an option when they purchase new or replacement equipment.
Relevant legislation
The Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR) Regulations require you to protect the eyes and skin of your workers from exposure to hazardous sources of artificial optical radiation. AOR includes light emitted from all artificial sources in all its forms such as ultraviolet, infrared and laser beams, but excludes sunlight.
Guidance for employers on the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations (AOR) 2010.