UV Radiation
Working with UV Radiation
UV radiation is invisible to the human eye! UV apparatus emits a large amount of visible light close to the UV spectrum. This is responsible for the overall glaring "dazzle" produced by UV and can lead to eye damage if not handled appropriately. For this reason, UV lamps which are built into industrial installations (e.g. printing machinery) must be shaded so that no UV radiation can reach the outside. Even so, protective glasses which can absorb any possible UV radiation and provide protection against glare, must be worn when working with UV apparatus when the UV lamp is lit. The glasses must be matched to the wavelength and power of the UV radiation source.
The majority of industrial UV lamps produce a small amount of ozone while operating in the presence of oxygen (e.g. in the atmosphere). This ozone must be removed from the working area by means of an appropriate extractor fan, so that no risk is caused to the machine operators.
UV lamps can become very hot while operating. To prevent the machinery from overheating, UV apparatus must be provided with an effective cooling system. Most industrial equipment is provided as standard with appropriate radiation protection and suitably-powered extraction fans (both for cooling and for ozone removal).
UV hand-lamps (so-called) are often provided for small-scale UV applications (e.g. laboratory work). These should only be operated with ‚black light filters’ (UVA) or with filters which absorb UVA UVB and UVC to protect those working with them from glare and radiation.
