UV eye safety

Terry King ( 101522.2625@compuserve.com)
Sun, 12 January 1997 5:33 PM

Message text written by "Wm. J. Clark"
>
I would appreciate suggestions on eye safety using UV light sources. My
present method is a 175-watt mercury-vapor exterior light.<

Most colleges that I have worked in either have the mercury vapour lamps
enclosed in a box with the light shining up. In this case one can have a
lid or a large shutter, between the light and the glass work surface, which
can be closed when the lid is opened.

With large UV lamps, 1500W, it is normal and safe practice to leave the
room when the light is on. Do not attempt to dodge or burn in using these
powerful lamps.

Professional graphics houses using banks of four or more mercury vapour
lamps, of much the same powers as yours, surround the lamps with a curtain
of minus blue gel

Brief exposure to the UV light while turning it off and on should not be of
worry but do not look at the lamps.

Terry King

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