Safety and UVC light

UVC light is dangerous for skin and eyes, so it is important to have the installation designed by a specialist and to take the correct precautions.

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Because UVC radiation does not emit heat, exposure is only noticed after a few hours. You do not always recognize the danger at the moment of exposure, which makes it difficult for people who work with UVC light occasionally. As a result, UVC lamps can be dangerous.

The consequences of exposure to UVC light:

  • Blinding of the eyes (inflammation of the cornea).
  • Skin burns and reddening.

In all situations where UVC light (also known as UV-C radiation) is used, the risks for people and animals must be taken into account. To ensure that UV lamps limit harmful effects, it is important to design and install them safely.

The most important thing: safe design and installation

Depending on the situation, the safety of a UVC system can be guaranteed with mechanical shielding and/or electrical provisions. A UV system can almost always be designed to be safe for users, operators or visitors. They have no knowledge of the dangers, but the right design protects them from exposure. Think of a safety switch that switches off the UV lamp when a door or hatch is opened, or a bolted shield. Additional instructions and warnings are sometimes necessary for technicians such as maintenance engineers.

Which guideline applies?

UVC light is classified as artificial optical radiation. A European directive applies to this: Directive 2006/25/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (artificial optical radiation) (19th individual directive within the meaning of Article 16, paragraph 1, of Directive 89/391/EEC).

The directive can be viewed and downloaded via: EUR-Lex - 32006L0025 - EN - EUR-Lex
The directive specifies limit values for skin and eyes.

Bioclimatic supports you in the implementation of safety measures for UVC radiation and, where necessary, carries out measurements to see whether an installation complies with the European directives for UVC safety.

 

Symbols used:

 Recognisable warning

 Optical radiation

Recognizable warning UV light

Optical radiation symbol according to ISO 7010

 

 

For technicians during maintenance and malfunctions of UVC lamps:

 Facialmask

Gloves mandatory 

Safety clothing mandatory 

Face mask required

Gloves required

Safety clothing required

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