School of Chemistry Safety Protocol – Use of UV Lamps
PROTOCOL FOR USE OF UV LAMPS
Main Hazards
• Eye and Skin Injury from UV irradiation
Key Safety Procedures
Wear appropriate safety glasses
General Comments
Exposure to UV radiation can cause extreme discomfort and serious injury. Eyes and skin must be
protected from direct and reflected UV light. Pay particular attention to laboratory surfaces, such
as stainless steel, that can reflect UV light and increase your exposure.
The effect of UV radiation exposure depends on UV dosage, wavelength, part of body exposed,
and the sensitivity of the individual. You cannot see or feel UV light and the effects of overexposure take several hours to appear, so all direct exposure should be treated as hazardous.
Following over-exposure of the eyes, painful inflammation, a gritty sensation, and tears may
develop in three to twelve hours. Within one to eight hours after over-exposure, the skin will
produce reddening (i.e., sunburn) with an associated risk of melanoma. Certain medication can
increase sensitivity to UV light.
Detailed Instructions for Use
Protocol for using ultraviolet lamps:
1. Study and follow all precautions specified by supplier of the instrument before using it
2. Post warning signs in areas where UV lamps are used
3. Fix a warning sign to any instrument containing a UV lamp to prevent accidental exposure
during operations such as servicing
4. Protect all skin from UV radiation
5. Always wear protective safety glasses with the correct UV filtering lenses
6. Don’t touch mercury lamps, oil from the skin may cause spot heating and cracking
7. Mercury lamps should be operated within an enclosure and must be adequately cooled to
prevent the lamp from exploding and leaking hot mercury vapour
Emergency Procedures
Seek medical advice following overexposure to u-v light
The School of Chemistry Safety Committee have approved this protocol for the named School operation or procedure.
This task must be carried out in line with this protocol. If you believe that this protocol is unsuitable for the
circumstances in your laboratory or area of work discuss this procedure with your supervisor or line manager and the
appropriate Safety Advisor. Any modified operating procedures must be documented, approved and signed by your
supervisor or line manager before they are undertaken
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School of Chemistry Safety Protocol – Use of UV Lamps
Protocol written by:
Approved by the Safety Committee:
Last Review by:
Last Review Date:
D. Turton
5. 2001
R. Fox
7. 2015
The School of Chemistry Safety Committee have approved this protocol for the named School operation or procedure.
This task must be carried out in line with this protocol. If you believe that this protocol is unsuitable for the
circumstances in your laboratory or area of work discuss this procedure with your supervisor or line manager and the
appropriate Safety Advisor. Any modified operating procedures must be documented, approved and signed by your
supervisor or line manager before they are undertaken
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