LBNL ES H Manual Chapter 43 Non Ionizing Radiation

5/5/2020

PUB-3000 Chapter 43 | NON-IONIZING RADIATION | REVISED 10/14

Chapter 43

NON-IONIZING RADIATION

Approved by Greta Toncheva
Revised 5/18

43.1 Policy

43.2 Scope

43.3 Applicability

43.4 Exceptions

43.5 Roles and Responsibilities

43.6 Definitions

43.7 Required Work Processes

Work Process A. Non-ionizing Radiation Flowchart
Work Process B. Exposure Limits
Work Process C. Methods of Exposure Control
Work Process D. Additional Information

43.8 Source Requirements

43.9 Reference Documents

NOTE:

Denotes a new section.

Denotes the end of changed text within a section.

43.1 Policy

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) Non-ionizing Radiation (NIR) Program is designed to provide a safe working environment for staff that ensures NIR exposure does not exceed the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) for the human eye or skin. The NIR Program at Berkeley Lab ensures personnel are protected from NIR exposure hazards including: Infrared light
Magnetic fields
Microwave radiation
Radio frequency
Artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation
https://www2.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/CH43.html

5/5/2020

PUB-3000 Chapter 43 | NON-IONIZING RADIATION | REVISED 10/14

Visible light
Note: Laser and acoustic (noise) exposures are covered in separate policies.

43.2 Scope

Non-ionizing Radiation (NIR) refers to electromagnetic radiation with insufficient energy to release a bound electron from an atom. NIR includes the following categories of radiation: ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared, radio frequency, microwave, and magnetic fields. (Lasers are covered in the Laser Safety Program.)

43.3 Applicability

This program applies to Berkeley Lab employees, casual and participating visitors, affiliates, and subcontractors who may perform work in or around NIR sources with the potential for an over exposure.

43.4 Exceptions

Laser work is covered by the Laser Safety Program.

43.5 Roles and Responsibilities

Role

Responsibilities

Division Director

Ensures the NIR Program is enforced

Environment,
Health & Safety
(EHS) Division

Arranges or performs NIR assessment as requested or determined by an approved activity within the Work Planning and Control (WPC) system or other authorization method
Establishes controls for NIR hazards
Maintains the Berkeley Lab NIR Program
Develops and reviews substitute or alternate control measures when primary measures are infeasible or impractical
With Activity Lead, investigates all instances of suspected exposure

Supervisor/
Activity Lead

Ensures that all NIR users receive adequate and appropriate training