Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation can be dangerous to the eyes and skin of personnel. Adequate shielding blocking UV light exposure must be provided. If unsafe levels of light are allowed to escape during operation, all personnel in the vicinity of the system should be required to wear goggles with UV certified lenses. Protection is needed for indirect as well as direct eye exposure. Discomfort from excessive eye exposure to ultraviolet light typically occurs about six hours after exposure. Personnel who experience eye pain after possible exposure to direct rays from the UV lamp should see a doctor. Furthermore, in the event that adequate shielding is not possible, all personnel within ten feet of the lamp should wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect their hands and arms.

There are no present U.S. Government standards on worker exposure to ultraviolet light. However, there is a NIOSH document, “Criteria for a recommended standard… Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation” (No. HSM 73-11009), and several useful publications are available from the Bureau of Radiation of the Food and Drug Administration.

Ozone

Ozone is a gaseous form of oxygen which is formed by ultraviolet light generated from arc type UV lamps (not LED lamps which generate no ozone). It’s characteristic odor is readily detectable at low concentrations (0.02 to .05 parts per million). Excessive exposure to ozone produces local irritation of the eyes and of the respiratory tract. It can be dangerous at higher than acceptable levels in the workplace. Be sure your equipment has adequate ventilation. Do not use your equipment in a confined space. Maintain work area ozone levels below the OSHA permissible exposure limits of 0.1 part of ozone per million (ppm) of air in an 8-hour time weighted average. Maintain a healthy work area by monitoring ozone levels using detecting instruments such as the EZ-1X device available from Ozone Applications.

Click here for a material safety data sheet (MSDS) on ozone. Contact your State OSHA office for compliance assistance. Contact Systematic Automation service department (860) 677-6400 ext.117 for assistance on how to provide adequate ventilation for your particular machine model. Ozone free lamps are available from Systematic Automation. These type of lamps may not be appropriate for your particular application. Call our service department for information on ozone free lamps.

Temperature

Surface temperature of the lamp during normal operation will exceed 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Before attempting service procedures on the lamp, allow the unit to cool. Observe appropriate precautions to avoid burns. Handle the bulb with cotton or surgical gloves or a lint-free towel at all times, as fingerprints can be etched into the quartz.

High Voltage

Insulated electrical cables carry high power from the power supply to the lamp. These voltages can be dangerous. Precautions should be taken in both the location and protection of these lines.

A high quality cable, rated at 20 KVA, is used in all high voltage cables manufactured by Systematic Automation and can be supplied to users for any additional connections that may be required.