Protect yourself against UV exposure in an NDT workshop

Blog | 07.10.20

UV lights can cause harm to your eyes and skin. To protect users from injuries and blindness caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared/thermal electromagnetic radiation, IEC/EN 62471 was introduced. This is now compulsory in Europe and parts of Asia and North America have also adopted IEC/EN 62471 as well. Know your risk group classification that will help you adjust your protection to UV accordingly.

SCOPE OF IEC/EN 62471

IEC/EN 62471 gives guidance for evaluating the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. It defines exposure limits, references measurement techniques and the classification scheme for the evaluation and control of photobiological hazards from all electrically powered incoherent broadband sources of optical radiation, including LEDs, in the wavelength range from 200 nm through 3000 nm.

GENERAL UV SAFETY INFORMATION AT THE WORKPLACE

Exposure should be considered with care and in accordance with the IEC/EN 62471 test report of your UV lamp. Unprotected and prolonged exposure to any form of UV light, including UV-A, can result in skin injuries, cataracts and possibly cancer. Even brief exposure can be hazardous if the UV intensity is very high. It is advised to always shield the eyes/face. For maximum protection and whenever possible, hands and arms should also be covered with long sleeves and gloves of a non-fluorescent material as in the picture above.

UV Goggles (PN: S505): To protect your eyes, use the UV-safety glasses that are delivered with the lamp. They absorb 99.9 % of all UV up to 385 nm.

Visor (PN: S400): To take extra caution, you may use an UV block visor that absorbs 99.9 % of all UV up to 385 nm.

Gloves: Be sure to use gloves that protect you not only from chemicals or cuts, but from UV. Make sure that the gloves do not fluoresce.

Apron: To protect your body in the best way, please use an industry apron with 100 % UV block.

SENSITIVITY TO UV

Certain individuals are naturally hypersensitive to all forms of UV-irradiation and should avoid any exposure. Itching, inflammation or other unusual symptoms occur, UV exposure should cease immediately. People using certain drugs that produce photosensitivity should avoid exposure to all UV sources. Consult a medical specialist if any symptoms arise.