When working with UV lights, it is essential to take the necessary safety precautions to protect yourself from the harmful rays. Engineering controls are the best way to limit exposure, such as shields or interlocks that turn off the light when a door or port is opened. It is also important to limit access to areas where UV sources are used, place warning signs at the entrance of laboratories or other work areas that use UV sources, and wear protective goggles and gloves, covering your arms and neck. Additionally, never look directly at the beam and limit exposure time.
Germicidal UV lamps pose an imminent danger if used without taking proper precautions. To use direct germicidal products against UV-C rays, you MUST wear personal protective equipment: gloves, a long-sleeved shirt with no gaps between the cuffs and gloves, and a UV-blocking face protector to protect your eyes and exposed skin. Under no circumstances should a direct UV-C germicidal unit be allowed to work with people, plants, or animals present in the operating area. It is also important to ensure that no one enters while a UV-C lamp is on. To do this, install an indicator light outside the room.
If there is a possibility that the eyes and face may be exposed to UV radiation, a polycarbonate face protector with the ANSI Z87,1-1989 UV certification should be used to protect the eyes and face. Environmental Health & Safety can help you measure UV emissions and evaluate personal protective equipment to determine its protection against UV rays. Exposure is controlled by using the personal protective equipment described above and never by directing UV light toward the face. In any case, workers should pay close attention to the warning labels and ensure that the UV lights are turned off before entering or working on the unit. Access to the area with UV light should be controlled by using visible warning labels and signs in the rooms, and making sure that all laboratory workers are aware of the danger. It is essential for anyone working with UV lights to take all necessary safety precautions in order to protect themselves from potential harm.
Engineering controls such as shields or interlocks that turn off the light when a door or port is opened are an effective way of limiting exposure. Additionally, it is important to limit access to areas where UV sources are used, place warning signs at entrances of laboratories or other work areas that use UV sources, and wear protective goggles and gloves that cover your arms and neck. When using direct germicidal products against UV-C rays, it is imperative that personal protective equipment such as gloves, a long-sleeved shirt with no gaps between cuffs and gloves, and a UV-blocking face protector be worn at all times. Furthermore, never look directly at the beam and limit exposure time. An indicator light should be installed outside of any room where a UV-C lamp is on in order to ensure that no one enters while it is active. If there is a possibility of eyes or face being exposed to UV radiation, a polycarbonate face protector with ANSI Z87,1-1989 certification should be used for protection.
Environmental Health & Safety can help measure UV emissions and evaluate personal protective equipment for its protection against UV rays. It is important for workers to pay close attention to warning labels and make sure that all laboratory personnel are aware of potential dangers associated with working with UV lights. Access to areas with UV light should be controlled by using visible warning labels and signs in rooms. By following these safety precautions when working with UV lights, you can protect yourself from potential harm caused by exposure to harmful rays.
