Exposure Limit Values (ELVs) for laser radiation as well as incoherent, visible and infrared radiation in Annexes to the Directive 2006/25/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from physical agents (artificial optical radiation) were determined on the basis of scientific data published by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) more than 26 years ago. Since then, new scientific findings have provided the basis for the development by ICNIRP of new revised criteria for assessing the risk and new ELVs, which were published in 2013. However, the European Commission has taken no action to revise the ELVs in the Annexes to this Directive.
In September 2023, the Position Paper concerning the need for revision of Exposure Limit Values (ELVs) for laser radiation as well as incoherent, visible and infrared radiation was prepared and signed by 7 PEROSH institutes.
At the beginning of October 2023 the Postion Paper was sent to the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) of the European Commission with a request to take necessary action to amend the Annexes to the Directive 2006/25/EC.
