Skin Protection
When working with UV-hardenable products the human skin can be affected in a number of different ways:
- through direct contact with dangerous materials: for example monomers or bonding agents (acrylates, epoxies etc.)
- This skin contact can largely be avoided by wearing suitable protective gloves.
- by direct exposure to UV radiation
- by softening of the skin (e.g. the hands) as a result of the prolonged wearing of gloves
It is therefore recommended that the hands are protected by wearing suitable gloves before and during work with UV-hardenable materials. This will prevent contact with reactive bonding agents and exposure of the skin to UV radiation.
On the other hand, when working with gloves moisture caused by sweating can build up inside the gloves, and this can lead to softening and swelling of the skin. Various cream jellies and emulsions have been developed to protect the skin effectively against softening and also to reduce the build-up of sweat. These are available from specialist suppliers.
By the same token special creams have also been developed to give effective protection against dangerous materials or UV radiation (UVA, UVB, UVC).
When working with UV radiation it is especially important to be aware that not only the hands but also other parts of the body (e.g. arms, face etc. ) can be exposed to UV radiation and should be treated with one of the UV protective creams.
After finishing work with dangerous materials or UV radiation the hands should be treated with a moisturising cream, such as Panthenol.
