AOR 2010: HSE Artificial Optical Radiation Rules

Regulatory citation: Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/1140)

What Are the AOR Regulations?

The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 protect workers from harm to the eyes and skin caused by hazardous artificial light sources. Artificial optical radiation covers ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation with wavelengths between 100 nm and 1 mm from non-natural sources. Hazardous sources include high-power lasers and intense ultraviolet sources. Sunlight is not covered because it is a natural source.

The Regulations came into force on 27 April 2010. Exposure limit values (ELVs) are those in the annexes to Directive 2006/25/EC, with separate limits for laser and non-coherent radiation.

Why AOR Matters

Powerful lasers can cause eye damage, including blindness, and skin burns. Intense ultraviolet sources can damage the eyes and skin. HSE says most businesses with hazardous sources already manage the risks well, and further action is expected only where risks have not been reduced as low as reasonably practicable.

Core Requirements

1. Assess the Risk (Regulation 3)

Where work could expose employees to levels of artificial optical radiation that create a reasonably foreseeable risk to the eyes or skin, the employer must make a suitable and sufficient assessment. It must assess, and where necessary measure or calculate, likely exposure. It must consider exposure level, wavelength and duration, the ELVs, workers at particular risk, photosensitising chemicals, indirect effects such as temporary blinding, fire or explosion, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and manufacturers' information.

2. Record and Review the Assessment (Regulation 3)

The significant findings must be recorded as soon as practicable, with the measures taken and planned. The assessment must be reviewed if there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or the work has changed significantly.

3. Eliminate or Reduce the Risk (Regulation 4(1)–(2))

Any risk identified must be eliminated, or where that is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as reasonably practicable, following the general principles of prevention in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

4. Prepare an Action Plan if ELVs Could Be Exceeded (Regulation 4(3)–(4))

If the assessment shows employees could be exposed above an ELV, the employer must draw up and carry out an action plan of technical and organisational measures. It should consider other working methods, lower-emission equipment, interlocks and shielding, maintenance, workstation design, limits on exposure time, suitable personal protective equipment and the needs of sensitive workers.

5. Act Immediately on Any Exceedance (Regulation 4(5))

If employees are exposed above an ELV despite these measures, the employer must act immediately to reduce exposure below the limit, find out why it happened and change the measures to stop it happening again.

6. Mark and Restrict Hazardous Areas (Regulation 4(6)–(7))

Areas where ELVs could be exceeded must be marked with appropriate signs, demarcated and, so far as reasonably practicable, have access restricted.

7. Inform, Train and Provide Health Surveillance (Regulations 5–6)

Employees at risk, and their representatives, must be told about the control measures, the ELVs, the assessment findings, how to spot and report harm, safe working practices and proper use of PPE. Health surveillance is required where there is a risk to the skin. A medical examination must be made available if an employee is exposed above an ELV or surveillance finds harm likely to have been caused by the exposure. Health records must be kept.

Common Compliance Approaches

Start With Manufacturer Data

Use equipment classifications and emission data from suppliers before deciding whether measurement is needed.

Engineer Out Exposure

Enclose lasers and UV processes, fit interlocks and screens, and keep PPE as a backup rather than the main control.

Control Access

Restrict entry to laser rooms and UV curing areas with warning signs, interlocked doors and a list of authorised users.

Example: AOR Controls in Practice

A sheet metal fabricator installs a Class 4 laser cutter. Its assessment, based on the manufacturer's data, shows the beam could exceed exposure limits if the enclosure is opened during cutting. The company keeps the machine fully enclosed with interlocked doors, marks the maintenance area with laser warning signs and restricts access to trained engineers. Engineers carrying out beam alignment wear laser eyewear matched to the wavelength, and a written procedure covers servicing work.

Related regulations: CEMFAW 2016 electromagnetic fields, PPE Regulations 1992, MHSWR risk assessments.

Note: This summary reflects the law as it applies in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other enforcing authorities. Northern Ireland has equivalent but separate legislation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the AOR Regulations cover sunlight?

No. The Regulations cover artificial optical radiation from non-natural sources. HSE provides separate guidance on sun exposure for people who work outdoors.

Which lasers need particular attention?

The risk assessment must specifically consider Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and any similarly hazardous non-coherent sources, because these can damage the eyes and skin.

When must a medical examination be offered?

A medical examination must be made available if an employee has been exposed above an exposure limit value, or if health surveillance finds a disease or skin effect that a doctor or occupational health professional considers was caused by the exposure.