7.2 Non-ionising radiation

Question 1

Non-ionising radiation (NIR) is the term used to describe the part of the
electromagnetic spectrum covering two main regions, namely:

Answer 1

 optical radiation (ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared.
 electromagnetic fields (EMFs) (power frequencies, microwaves and radio
frequencies).

Question 2

UVR is sub-divided into three bands, depending on wavelength:

Answer 2

 UVC is very short-wavelength UVR and is theoretically the most harmful to
humans; however UVC radiation from the sun is filtered out in the atmosphere. In
practice human exposure is only available from artificial sources, such as
germicidal lamps.
 UVB is mid wavelength and is the most biologically damaging UVR which causes
sunburn and other biological effects.
 UVA has the longest wavelength and is normally found in most lamp sources.
Although UVA can penetrate deeply into tissue, it is not as biologically damaging
as UVB.

Question 3

The most significant artificial sources of UVR are:

Answer 3

Industrial
arc welding

Industrial
UVR lamps

Black lights

Medical
treatment

Germicidal
UVR lamps

Cosmetic
tanning

General
lighting

Question 4

Infrared radiation is located between microwaves and visible light. It is subdivided
into three bands, based on wavelength and the absorption characteristics of IR in
tissue and the resulting different biological effects.

Answer 4

 IRA is the shortest wavelength - from 780 nm to 1.4 μm
 IRB (from 1.4 μm to 3 μm )
 IRC - the longest wavelength (from 3 μm to 1 mm).

Question 5

Metal working

What key measures need to be considered?

Answer 5

 provide face shields, coveralls and gloves
 protect others using screens / curtains / restricted access
 provide information and training
 display appropriate warning signs
 monitor and enforce use of control measures
 if any workers are over-exposed, provide medical
examination and consider whether follow-up health
surveillance is appropriate

Question 6

Pharmaceuticals
and research

What key measures need to be considered?

Answer 6

 provide protective eyewear and make sure other areas of
skin are not exposed (i.e. provide lab coats and gloves)
 protect others using screens / curtains / restricted access
 provide information and training
 display appropriate warning signs
 monitor and enforce use of control measures
 if any workers are over-exposed, provide medical
examination and consider whether follow-up health
surveillance is appropriate

Question 7

‘Hot industries’

What key measures need to be considered?

Answer 7

 engineered measures – remote controls, screening,
interlocks, clamps to hold material Provide face shields,
goggles or other protective eyewear, coveralls and gloves
 enforced maximum working periods – routine change of
activity
 protect others using screens/curtains/restricted access
 provide information and training
 display appropriate warning signs
 monitor and enforce use of control measures
 if any workers are over-exposed, provide medical
examination and consider whether follow-up health
surveillance is appropriate

Question 8

Printing and paint
(motor vehicle
repairs)

What key measures need to be considered?

Answer 8

 engineered measures – screening, automation, remote
control
 provide face shields, goggles or other protective eyewear
and ensure other areas of skin are not exposed by providing
coveralls and gloves
 protect others using screens/curtains/restricted access
 provide information and training
 display appropriate warning signs
 monitor and enforce use of control measures
 if any workers are over-exposed, provide medical
examination and consider whether follow-up health
surveillance is appropriate