BlueWave
®
50 Light-Curing Spot Lamp
7
Chart 1.
Light Spectrum
The human eye can not detect “pure” UV light, only visible light. A radiometer should be used to measure stray
UV light to confirm the safety of a UV light-curing process. A workstation that exposes an operator to more than
1 mW/cm
2
of UVA continuously should be redesigned.
UV light-curing of adhesives
can be a regulatory compliant, “worker-friendly” manufacturing process when the
proper safety equipment and operator training is utilized. There are two ways to protect operators from UV
exposure: shield the operator and/or shield the source.
SHIELD THE OPERATOR
•
UV-Blocking Eye Protection
– UV-blocking eye protection is recommended when operating UV light-
curing systems. Both clear and tinted UV-blocking eye protection is available from DYMAX.
•
UV-Blocking Skin Protection
– Where the potential exists for UV exposure upon skin, opaque, UV-
blocking clothing, gloves, and full-face shields are recommended.
SHIELD THE SOURCE OF UV
Any substrate that blocks UV light can be used as a shield to protect workers from stray UV light. The
following materials can be used to create simple shielding structures or blind corners:
•
Sheet Metal
–
Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc. Sheet metal should be coated black or black
anodized to minimize reflection of UV and visible light toward operators.
•
Rigid Plastic Film
– Transparent, UV-blocking plastics (typically polycarbonate or acrylic) are commonly
used to create shielding where transparency is also desired. These rigid plastic films are available either
water-clear or tinted.
•
Flexible Film
– UV-blocking, flexible urethane films can be used to quickly create workstation shielding.
This UV-blocking, flexible urethane film is available from DYMAX.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE SURFACES
Surfaces exposed to high-intensity curing lights will rise in temperature. The intensity, distance, exposure time,
cooling fans, and the type/color of the surface can all affect the actual surface temperature. In some cases,
exposed surfaces can reach temperatures capable of producing a burn or causing damage to a substrate. In
these cases, care must be taken to ensure a more moderate surface temperature or appropriate protection/
training for operators.
