Background

Non-ionising radiation (NIR) is the term used to describe the part of the electromagnetic spectrum covering two main regions. Firstly, optical radiation (ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared) and secondly, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) (power frequencies, microwaves and radio frequencies).  The health effects primarily impact the eyes and skin e.g. sun burn.

For groups using UV or NIR they will find the HSE guidance helpful in developing controls.

Laser safety is dealt with as a separate topic at QMUL, although to some degree the regulators look at NIR and Lasers together.

Primary legislation

• The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 
• The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016

Documents

• Ultraviolet Radiation Guidance [PDF 180KB]  
  
• Electromagnetic Fields_HS Guidance Procedures_March 2019 [PDF 777KB]
• Mercury Lamps Guidance

References

• HSE NIR Safety Website
• Public Health England Website
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Website

Contacts

For Advice and Assistance at QMUL, contact the H&S Manager / Advisor for your Faculty / PS  or the subject lead at http://www.hsd.qmul.ac.uk/contact-us/

All H&S staff can be contacted via the help desk at hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk