Background
Risk assessment in accordance to EU regulation 2006/25/EC is obligatory. Exposure limits for optical radiation are complex (dependent on time, distance, source and wavelength). There are certain situations of exposure above these limits in the case of direct exposition, e. g. the welder himself. Question arises if 3rd persons are overexposed. 3rd persons are persons working in the vicinity of the radiation. It’s quite a complex task to give a profound answer. The whole setting (parameter of the technical process, time, vicinity, …) has to be taken into account. Thus, there is a need to reduce this complexity with a worst-case model. The model can be used by safety experts for risk assessment.
Objectives
The objective of the project was to enable safety experts to do a profound risk assessment with a model, developed in this project. The model is based on measured data. This project aimed at the following three outputs:
- Afford a legally compliant risk assessment,
- Reduce complex limits and measurements to factors for basic risk calculation,
- Publish model and tool for risk assessment.
Conclusion
Two models were developed and are ready to be used by the project partners. One is about risk assessment for bystanders in the case of welding, the other is about thermal radiators. They are unique in their easiness of use and therefore suitable for risk assessment based on worst-case assumptions. Safety engineers, employers and organizations in the OSH field can use this model then. Both models including source code are available for the project partners and can be developed further on to meet everyone’s needs (language, national specifics …).
Deliverables
Publication Ultraviolet spectral irradiance measurements: an intercomparison of spectroradiometers in laboratory combined with a workplace field test
Research methods
The project will summarize already existing exposure data and merge it with measured data. Round robin tests will show the accuracy of the measurement equipment and procedures. A model based upon the data will be developed, which can be used for a simplified risk assessment at workplaces.
Scientific relevance
Knowledge about the measurement accuracy in the field of optical Radiation and modelling Know-how has been gained. The risk of different processes (e. g. welding) compared to others has been clarified.
Practical/societal relevance
Enables companies to do legally compliant risk assessment in the field of optical radiation. It saves time and costs on the side of the employer, it saves unnecessary wearing of PPE on the side of the employee and it saves costs for consultation on institutions in the field of OSH because it simplifies the method of risk assessment in the field of optical radiation.
For more information please contact project leader Emmerich Kitz (AUVA) via email Emmerich.Kitz@auva.at.
