The UK is now subject to the European regulations that aim to protect workers from harm caused by exposure to hazardous sources of artificial light. Some types of light – including blue LEDs can be dangerous, especially if located close to a person’s eyes. The HSE has published general guidance for employers, and detailed guidance for the entertainment industry is expected to follow. In the mean time it would be sensible to include lighting within the standard risk assessments for productions, taking special note if blue LEDs are used without diffusers, or all other lights do not have ultraviolet filters.

The risks involved with the use of lasers are now well known, and installation and operation of class 3B and 4 lasers normally being the responsibility of specially trained operatives.

Other steps – including dimming bright lights when not needed, moving lights that are placed at eye level, and not placing bright lights near teleprompters or other monitors could all help.

Here, theatre law follows the standard rules, but with little call from practitioners for any special treatment.