Dymax WIDECURE UV Conveyor
5
Chart 1.
Light Spectrum
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 are available from Dymax.
•
UV-Blocking Skin Protection
– Where the potential exists for UV exposure upon skin, opaque, UV
light-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 either a more moderate surface temperature or appropriate
protection/training for operators.
OZONE
Standard Dymax bulbs (UVA type) generate an insignificant amount of UVC and therefore essentially no ozone.
Some UV light-
curing systems, like those used to cure UV inks, emit primarily “shortwave” (UVB and UVC)
energy. Upon exposure to UVC light (specifically <240 nm), oxygen molecules (O
2
) split into oxygen atoms (O)
and recombine with O
2
to create ozone O
3
. The current, long-term ozone concentration limit recommended by
ACGIH, NIOSH, and OSHA is 0.1 ppm (0.2mg/m
3
).
BRIGHT, VISIBLE LIGHT
The bright, visible light emitted by some UV light-curing systems can be objectionable to some workers and can
cause eyestrain. Tinted eye protection and/or opaque/tinted shielding can be utilized to address this concern.
