Before starting work that could cause exposure to UV radiation you need to be aware of the hazards involved, and the common-sense guidelines for avoiding such hazards. Depending on the level of risk that your work presents, you may also need to consider the University's safety protocols.
UV Type |
Wavelength |
Hazard Rating |
UV-A |
400-315nm |
Low |
UV-B |
280-315nm |
Medium / High |
UV-C |
100-280nm |
High / Very High |
The health hazards presented by UV rays depends on their wavelength and the beam intensity, with UV-B and UV-C radiation being more hazardous than UV-A.
UV-B and UV-C Hazards
UV-B, UV-C, and very intense UV-A radiation present a significant hazard and therefore subject to appropriate control (safety procedures / protocols) to reduce the associated risks to a low and acceptable level.
Short term effects from over exposure can lead to:
Long term effects from prolonged over exposure can also lead to:
Consequently, those who come into contact with harmful UV radiation (devices which emit UV-B, UV-C or very intense UV-A radiation) should be aware of the hazards and associated risks, and consider the safety procedures for avoiding such risks. This information will be covered in the following pages.