There's some forthcoming legislation that affects businesses managing their health risks which may be worth keeping an eye on, the somewhat extravagantly titled "Physical Agents (Artificial Optical Radiation) Directive" has just been opened for consultation.

The Directive seeks to ensure that the eyes and skin of workers are properly protected and we'd encourage businesses to view the consultation document and contribute if appropriate.

Although the Directive is mostly applicable for businesses involved with specific risks such as welding, any UV Fluorescence, 'hot' industries or motor vehicle repairs (which may involve the UV curing of paints), the Directive also potentially covers anyone who may spend periods 'staring at' or working 'at close proximity' to a number of light sources, including desktop projectors, vehicle headlights, interactive whiteboard presentation equipment and ceiling mounted fluorescent lighting without a diffuser over the bulb.

It's also worth considering how working with light sources may affect anyone in your business with a pre-existing medical condition, or whether you have employees potentially exposed to multiple light sources at the same time.

The full consultation document is available on the HSE website (http://consultations.hse.gov.uk/inovem/gt2.ti/f/10018/294085.1/pdf/-/cd227.pdf).  It may also be worth discussing the proposed Directive with your Health & Safety teams.