Ionising and non-ionising radiation and lasersRadiation protection

Ionising radiation refers to both electromagnetic radiation and particle radiation that has sufficient energy to ionise molecules and atoms. Ionising radiation can therefore remove electrons from neutral molecules and atoms and thus generate positively charged particles (ions).

The handling of ionising radiation requires an official permit. As the holder of this permit, responsibility for radiation protection lies with the commercial management of the hospital and the rector of the university. A radiation protection officer has been appointed for both institutions, who advises on all matters relating to the StrSchG (=radiation protection act, formerly StrlSchV and RöV).

Information on authorisation procedures, the appointment of the necessary radiation protection officers and training courses can be found on the websites of the respective responsible departments: Department of Radiation Protection in the Neuenheimer Feld central area or Central Radiation Protection at the Hospital Board. The radiation protection instructions of the University and the University Hospital as amended in 2023 must be observed during handling.

Non-ionising radiation is comprised of electromagnetic waves whose energy is not sufficient to ionise other atoms. This includes the entire width of visible light (400 - 780 nm), the infrared range and electromagnetic fields. One ever-growing field of application are, for example, lasers in the visible and infrared spectral range. 

We have put together a series of references to help you safely deal with non-ionising radiation in the workplace:

• NISG - Act on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation in Human Application
• OStrV - Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance on Protection against Artificial Optical Radiation (replaced the "UVV Laser Radiation")
• TROS - Technical Rules for Artificial Optical Radiation
• Measurement procedure for the assessment of incoherent optical radiation of the BAuA, 2016

Static electric and magnetic fields (0 Hz) occur naturally in the environment. However, they also occur in some transport systems (e.g. trams) and in industrial processes and are increasingly being used in medicine (magnetic resonance).

Low-frequency electric and magnetic fields (between 0 Hertz and 100 kilohertz) occur wherever electrical energy is generated, transported or used. In everyday life, these are mainly the electric and magnetic fields generated by the power supply (50 Hz) and electrified transport systems such as railways (16 2/3 Hz). Due to their physical properties, electric and magnetic fields are decoupled in the low-frequency range.