Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that has shorter wavelengths than visible light, but longer wavelengths than X-rays. Exposure to UV radiation can cause a variety of eye disorders and skin damage, so it is essential to take the necessary precautions when installing UV light sources. Even a very thin sheet of polycarbonate can absorb UV rays and provide much better protection for the skin and eyes than any sunscreen cream. At the same time, polycarbonate transmits visible light, which is the part of the spectrum that allows us to see colors.
The preferred control method is the use of engineering controls to contain UV light. UV housings and blocking devices supplied by the manufacturer must be used at all times. Opaque materials such as metal, wood and cardboard are easily used to protect against UV rays. The polycarbonate material is also a good UV protector.
Some types of clear glass can transmit significant amounts of UV-A radiation and should not be relied upon to protect against UV rays unless their UV protection is verified. The armor is usually easy to design. Mercury lamps and metal halide lamps have a glass outer cover to stop UV radiation and are designed in such a way that if the outer glass breaks, the lamp stops working. The most commonly used UV protective equipment are UV protection goggles, UV face shields, tight-fitting long-sleeved garments that cover a large part of the body, and gloves. Although sunscreen protects the skin from UV attack, the chemicals used in UV stabilizers that are added to plastics act in a very similar way.
Any equipment that emits UV radiation and the area where the equipment is located must have the appropriate UV warning labels. UV radiation has shorter wavelengths (higher frequencies) compared to visible light, but it has longer wavelengths (lower frequencies) compared to X-rays. Examples of eye disorders resulting from exposure to UV rays include sudden burns, frosted glass eyeball, welder glare, and blindness caused by snow, depending on the source of UV light that caused the injury. Personnel working with UV radiation sources should receive UV safety training and be familiar with work practices and procedures related to UV protection.UV exposure can also be minimized by limiting exposure time and increasing the distance between personnel and the UV source. Regulations relating to these sources restrict the intensity of UV-C rays to a minimum level and may require the installation of special protectors or shields and interconnecting devices to prevent exposure to UV rays.
For a project to work smoothly, it is essential to use a plastic that is resistant to UV rays, if, of course, that plastic is going to be exposed to UV light. Since biological effects depend on the time of exposure, the specific UV wavelength, and the susceptibility of the exposed person, it is considered prudent to avoid unnecessary exposure of the skin to UV sources. Procedures should be developed to control and minimize personnel exposure to ultraviolet radiation when engineering controls cannot adequately protect personnel from exposure. Germicidal lamps, UV curing lamps, black lights, transilluminators and cross-linking agents are common sources of ultraviolet radiation in laboratories. The amount of ultraviolet exposure a person can receive on the skin or eyes over an 8-hour period varies depending on the wavelength of ultraviolet radiation. It is important for anyone installing or working with ultraviolet light sources to take all necessary precautions in order to protect themselves from potential harm caused by ultraviolet radiation.
This includes using engineering controls such as opaque materials or polycarbonate sheets as well as protective equipment such as goggles, face shields, gloves and long-sleeved garments. Additionally, it is important for personnel working with ultraviolet radiation sources to receive safety training in order to understand work practices and procedures related to UV protection. Finally, it is important for personnel working with ultraviolet radiation sources to limit their exposure time and increase their distance from ultraviolet sources in order to minimize their risk of harm.
