Preface

• Pages: V-V

Preface

This publication is one of a series of practical guides on occupational hazards

arising from non-ionizing radiation (NIR) carried out in collaboration with the

International Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee (INIRC) of the International Radiation

Protection Association (IRPA)1 as part of the ILO International Programme for the

Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (PIACT).

The purpose of this book is to provide basic guidance on working conditions and

procedures that will lead to higher standards of safety for all personnel engaged in the

manufacture, maintenance and operation of laser devices. It is intended in particular for

the use of competent authorities, employers and workers, and in general all persons in

charge of occupational safety and health. The following topics are covered: the

characteristics of laser radiation; the biological and health effects; occupationally related

exposure type and effects; hazard evaluation; instrumentation and measurement

techniques; occupational exposure limits and safety standards; control of and protection

from exposure to laser radiation; and the principles of an administrative structure needed

to ensure laser safety in the workplace. Emphasis is upon protective measures.

The manuscript was prepared by an IRPA-INIRC working group chaired by

Dr D. H. Sliney and including Dr B. Bosnjakovic, Dr L. A. Court, Dr A. F. McKinlay

and Dr L. D. Szabó. Following comments received from INIRC members, it was

reviewed in detail during the annual meeting of the IRPA-INIRC in Rome (Italy), May

1991, in cooperation with Dr G. H. Coppée representing the International Labour Office.

This book is the result of a ILO/IRPA-INIRC activity and is published by the ILO

on behalf of the two organizations. The ILO wishes to thank the International Non-

Ionizing Radiation Committee of the IRPA, and in particular Dr D. H. Sliney and his

working group, for their contribution and cooperation in the preparation of this practical

guide on the use of lasers in the workplace.

1 Since May 1992 the INIRC of the IRPA has become an independent scientific body called the

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and has responsibility for NIR

protection in the same way as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has for

ionizing radiation. (ICNIRP Secretariat: c/o Dipl.-Ing. R. Matthes, Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, Institut

für Strahlenhygiene, Ingoldstädter Landstrasse 1, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany, Tel.: +49 89

31603237, Fax +49 89 31603111.)

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