APRIL 6 2010 sees the arrival of the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations (CAORWR is not an easy acronym so we'll call them the Regs), which implement one of the EU Physical Agent Directives, number 2006/25/EC. The Regs have been the cause of a huge amount of delaying, arguing, speculation and complaint. The reason is simple: they set simple rules and limits for something that's astonishingly complicated: the amount of artificial light shining on every part of every worker at any ti me, in any place. Some claim it will hobble businesses with more red tape and could make COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) compliance look simple. HSE predicts 25% of affected businesses will need to employ a specialist consultant, but is also making calming noises and saying that almost everyone who is subject to the controls will already be doing what they need to comply because of their existing risk assessments.
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