(in German)

For the evaluation of incoherent optical radiation knowledge of the legal foundations is a prerequisite. In particular, the EU directive "Artificial Optical Radiation", the Working Conditions Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Regulation to artificial optical radiation with their technical regulations require the employer to an assessment of the hazards. Various standards represent measuring methods and evaluation criteria which are of importance for this. In addition to the rules and theoretical foundations to the different areas of optical radiation, radiometric and photometric characteristics, important sources of incoherent optical radiation and biological effects on eye and skin are necessary for the evaluation.

To determine the occurring optical radiation, a suitable measurement procedure and an appropriate meter must be selected. Spectral and integral methods can be distinguished in principle. With spectral measurement, the spectral distribution of a parameter is determined. These devices are generally more accurate, but also more expensive to purchase and costly to operate. Integral measurement devices offer the advantage that they show the measurement result directly. Therefore, they are often better for overview measurements. Various dosimeters are measuring integral, especially compact measuring devices that are worn by persons exposed to the body. An accurate measurement requires in addition to the selection of the appropriate method a calibration of the instrument. This can be performed by the equipment manufacturer or a suitable laboratory or spectral measurement itself. In addition to selecting a suitable calibration source other factors are taken into account, depending on the size to be calibrated.

The evaluation of optical radiation in a workplace requires careful planning and execution. It requires the definition of objectives, defining the exposure conditions to the planning and execution of the measurements and the analysis and reporting of results. The specific procedure is dependent on the particular workplace situation.

In this report, the underlying set of rules, the theoretical foundations of optical radiation and its determination as well as practical experience in dealing with the measurement technique are taught to assist in the assessment of hazards of optical radiation in the workplace.

Please download the complete report "Measurement procedures for the evaluation of incoherent optical radiation" (in German only).