PEROSH project successfully completed

indIR-UV

The PEROSH project indIR-UV (Exposure of workers to indirect UV- and IR-radiation emitted by arcs, flames and thermal radiators) is closed.

The main goals were:

1. To check the quality of today’s used measurement tools for radiation with a round robin test
2. To obtain measurement techniques for strongly flickering welding arcs
3. To develop a model in accordance to the measurements

An article was published in which the researchers explain their approach and research methodology: Ultraviolet spectral irradiance measurements: an intercomparison of spectroradiometers in laboratory combined with a workplace field test, S Bauer, A Barlier-Salsi, M Borra, M Sanchez Fuentes, M Janßen, A Militello, G Ott, T Pfeifer, J Pikuła, A Rybczyński, M Weber, A Wolska and E Kitz, Journal of Physics Communications, published 29 January 2018

A second paper dealing with radiometers is still pending approval for publication.

Two models were developed and are ready for use by the project partners (see below) in their respective countries. One is on risk assessment for bystanders in the case of welding, the other is on thermal radiators. They are unique in their easiness of use and therefore suitable for risk assessment based on worst-case scenarios. Both models (including source codes) are available through the project partners and can be further tailor-made based on national specifics and standards.

Indirect exposure to UV and IR radiation is underestimated, although workers can run a substantial risk. This PEROSH research project compared several spectroradiometers to test the reliability of the measurement of UV radiation in laboratories or workplaces. Furthermore, with the research findings indirect UV and IR exposure can be measured more accurately. This will save time and money and in the end lead to a better protection of the workers at risk.

This PEROSH project was developed between the following institutes: Austrian Worker’s Compensation Board (AUVA, Austria), Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA, Germany), Central Institute for Labour Protection–National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB, Poland), GL Optic R&D (Poland), Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA, Germany), National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL, Italy), National Research and Safety Institute (INRS, France), Spanish National Institute of Safety and Hygiene at Work (INSHT, Spain) and Seibersdorf Laboratories (Austria).

Finally, a personal statement from the project leader, Mr. Emmerich Kitz:
“One of the main results for the project team is the open-mindedness, the information and knowledge exchange between European researchers which resulted in a strong network where we know whom to contact in case of questions arising on optical radiation.”