Testing for Photobiological Safety

Photobiological Safety

Photometric Testing provides precision, NPL-traceable spectroradiometric measurements from the UV to the IR (200-1700nm) to assess the hazardous exposure levels of lamps and luminaires in accordance with BS EN 62471 and the Artificial Optical Radiation Hazard Directive. The service includes the risk group computation.

What Can We Measure?	Applicable Standards
Spectral irradiance, 200-1700nm [W/m2.nm] Spectral radiance, 200-1700nm [W/m2.sr.nm]	BS EN 62471:2008 IEC 62471:2006 AORHD 2006/25/EC

The European Artificial Optical Radiation Hazard Directive (2006/25/EC) imposes a statutory responsibility upon employers (via the UK's Heath and Safety at Work Act) to ensure that employees are not subjected to hazardous exposure levels from lamps and other forms of artificial lighting. In turn manufacturers and suppliers of lighting products are required under the low voltage directive to provide exposure limit information in accordance with IEC 62471:2006 and BS EN 62471:2008, "Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems". To satisfy EN 62471, measurements of spectral irradiance and spectral radiance must be performed over the wavelength range produced by the light source under test.

Photometric Testing has a state-of-the-art scanning double monochromator-based spectroradiometer that allows it to perform measurements from 200-1700nm. Being a scanning double monochromator means that measurements are performed to the highest accuracy, with low stray light, wide dynamic range and calibration traceable to the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The spectroradiometer forms part of a £200,000 investment that has lead to the creation of what is probably the most up-to-date lighting test laboratory in the UK.

EN 62471 considers the photobiological effects on both human skin and eyes of artificial optical radiation (but not sunlight) and provides a definition of safe exposure limits and a framework for classification. Much like solar UVB radiation (280-315nm) is known to cause "sun burn" (erythema), optical radiation in the 200-3000nm range presents different hazards, depending upon the spectral distribution and the actual light level present.

Our service includes a formal test report and a risk group computation. Please use our enquiry form to have a technical specialist call you back or to request a quotation for a measurement.

Testing for Photobiological Safety

What Can We Measure?

Applicable Standards