Accessibility statement

Hazards Associated with UV Radiation

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:

  • the skin (burns)
  • eyes (damage to the cornea (photokeratitis) and eyelids (photoconjuctivitis))

Long term effects from prolonged over exposure can also lead to:

  • accelerated skin aging
  • eye cataracts
  • skin cancers in some circumstances.

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.