BRIEF

Policy Summary

The Berkeley Lab Non-ionizing Radiation (NIR) Program is designed to prevent staff exposure to NIR in excess of the permissible exposures/Threshold Limit Values (TLV) for the human eye or skin and to ensure a safe working environment. The NIR Program at Berkeley Lab ensures personnel are protected from NIR exposure hazards including:

• Magnetic fields.
• Radio frequency (RF) and microwave radiation.
• Artificial ultraviolet radiation (UV).
• Visible light.

Note: Laser and acoustic (noise) safety are covered in separate RPM Laser Safety and Noise Hazard policies.

Who Should Read This Policy

Berkeley Lab employees, casual and participating visitors, affiliates, and subcontractors who could be performing work in or around NIR sources with the potential for an overexposure

To Read the Full Policy, Go To:

The POLICY tab on this wiki page

To Read the ESH Program Details, Go To:

ES&H Manual Chapter 43

Contact Information

EHS Subject Matter Expert for Laser Safety
Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Division

POLICY

A. Purpose

The Berkeley Lab Non-ionizing Radiation (NIR) Program is designed to prevent staff exposure to NIR in excess of the permissible exposures/Threshold Limit Values (TLV) for the human eye or skin and to ensure a safe working environment. The NIR Program at Berkeley Lab ensures personnel are protected from NIR exposure hazards including:

• Magnetic fields.
• Radio frequency (RF) and microwave radiation.
• Artificial ultraviolet radiation (UV).
• Visible light.

Note: Laser and acoustic (noise) safety are covered in separate RPM Laser Safety and Noise Hazard policies, respectively.

B. Persons Affected

Berkeley Lab employees, casual and participating visitors, affiliates, and subcontractors who could be performing work in or around NIR sources with the potential for an over exposure.

C. Exceptions

None

D. Policy Statement

1. Exposures to NIR must be maintained below the limits specified in Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 2016 edition (Work Process B).
2. Additional information and requirements for lasers are provided in the ES&H Manual, Chapter 16, Laser Safety.
3. Exposures to NIR must be limited by engineering controls where feasible, followed by administrative controls and personal protective equipment.
4. Access must be limited to only authorized personnel whenever the whole body could enter magnetic field strength exceeding 5 Gauss. Delineating the 5 Gauss line and posting magnetic field warning signs are generally acceptable access control (Work Process C).
5. Environment/Health/Safety (EHS) assistance on NIR may be obtained by contacting the EHS NIR safety coordinator, ext. 2544 (Work Process D).

E. Roles and Responsibilities

F. Definitions/Acronyms

G. Recordkeeping Requirements

Records are kept by the Laser Safety Officer for all magnetic field, RF, and UV surveys.

H. Implementing Documents

I. Contact Information

EHS Subject Matter Expert for Laser Safety

EHS Division

J. Revision History

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Source Requirements Documents

• 10 CFR 851, Worker Safety and Health Program
• Cal/OSHA, Title 8, Parts 8617, 8618, 5079, 5085
• Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 2016 edition

Other Driving Requirements

C96.1-2005 — IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 KHz to 300 GHz

Implementing Documents