Non-Ionizing Radiation including Lasers

Non-ionizing radiation comes from both natural and human-made sources. It includes electric and magnetic fields, radio waves, microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet, and visible radiation. Non-ionizing radiation differs from ionizing radiation in the way it acts on materials like air, water, and living tissue. While not common in many workplaces, when used, exposure to intense, direct amounts of non-ionizing radiation may result in damage to tissue due to heat.

While some types of non-ionizing radiation are addressed in the legislation including lasers, infra-red, ultraviolet and radiofrequency, the employer has a general duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace, including all types of non-ionizing radiation.

Safe Use of Lasers

Laser light is a form of non-ionizing radiation. Laser equipment produces and amplifies light that has unique properties. There are two types of laser hazards: the laser beam hazards and the non-beam hazards. Laser beam hazards include eye and skin burns which are due to laser beam shining on a person's body. Non-beam hazards are associated with the laser equipment, or the hazardous substances released from the laser equipment, and fumes emitted from materials exposed to laser beams, including laser-plumes produced during surgical procedures.

Laser radiation

In workplaces, other than medical industries, where lasers are used, employers are required to make sure that the lasers are operated and used according to the following standards (or standards that offer equivalent or better protection): [Reg. 91-191, S.34(1)]

• American National Standard Institute’s (ANSI) standard ANSI Z136.1-2007, “Safe Use of Lasers”
• ANSI Z136.4-2005, “Recommended Practice for Laser Safety Measurements for Hazard Evaluation”
• ANSI Z136.5-2020, “Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions”
• ANSI Z136.6-2005, “Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors”, and
• ANSI Z136.7-2008, “American National Standard for Testing and Labelling of Laser Protective Equipment”

In medical industries, an employer must make sure that laser equipment is operated and used according to the following standards (or other standards offering equivalent or better protection): [Reg. 91-191, S.34(2)]

• CAN/CSA - C22.2 No. 60601-2-22-01 (R2005) Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 2: Particular Requirements for the Safety of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Laser Equipment (Adopted CEI/IEC 601-2-22:1995, second edition, 1995-11), and
• CSA - Z386:20, “Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care”

Infra-red Radiation

When workplaces have sources of infra-red radiation employers are required to: [Reg. 91-191, S.35]

• Make sure there is shielding as close to the source as possible by using heat absorbing screens, water screens, or other suitable devices
• Provide employees with and enforce the use of properly fitting goggles, face shields or other adequate eye protection when they are required to enter areas where they could be exposed to infra-red radiation, which can cause eye injuries and irritation.

Employees are also responsible for wearing the appropriate eye protection when entering areas where they could be exposed to infra-red radiation.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

In workplaces where there are sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with emissions in the spectral region between 180 nm and 400 nm, employers are required to: [Reg. 91-191, S.36]

• Restrict access to areas where UV emitting equipment is located except to those who have been trained on the hazards and safety precautions, and to those that must access the equipment because of their work.
• Ensure all users of the equipment are trained on potential hazards and how to safely use the equipment
• Make sure there are warning signs or other devices to indicate when there is a UV radiation hazard
• Place shielding around the emission source using protective cabinets or screens, and have observation ports made of suitable absorbent material (e.g., certain grades of acrylics, polyvinyl chloride or window glass)
• Make sure employees wear appropriate protective clothing, and whenever there is a potential for eye hazards, eye protection (e.g., UV absorbing goggles, spectacles, or face shields).
• Ensure an employee’s exposure to UV radiation does not exceed the occupational exposure limit.

Radiofrequency Radiation

Radiofrequency (RF) radiation is a non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation that can be emitted from many sources such as cell phones, microwaves, radar, medical equipment, radio and TV broadcast stations, RF inductions heaters, etc.

When there are radiation emitting devices in the frequency range of 3 kHz to 300 GHZ, employers are responsible for: [Reg. 91-191, S.37]

• Ensuring the installation and use of the device follow the guidance from the Safety Code 6 “Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Energy in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz” issued by Health Canada as amended from time to time.
• Making sure that exposure to employees and other persons to radiofrequency radiation do not exceed the limits set out in Safety Code 6. The “Technical Guide for Safety Code 6: Health Canada's Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines” can be used to assist employers and users in understanding and assessing the safety of electromagnetic exposures in working and living environments.