The Advanced Photon Source
a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility

Experiment Hazard Class 10.2 – Ultraviolet Light

Applicability

This hazard classification applies to all experiments involving the use of ultraviolet radiation generating equipment.  Ultraviolet light (UV) is non-ionizing radiation in the 180 to 400-nanometer wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum.  Ultraviolet light poses the following hazards:

  • Eye hazards – inflammation, cataracts, retinal damage
  • Skin hazards – sunburn, accelerated wrinkling, increased risk of skin cancer
  • Invisible to the naked eye
  • Possible ozone generation
 
Experiment Category
Experiments involving only this hazard class qualify for medium risk.  The addition of other hazard classes may require an additional review of the experiment.
 
Experiment Hazard Control Verification Statements

Engineered Controls – Shield or contain UV light as close to the source as possible.  Interlock the equipment if feasible.

Procedural Controls – ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) suggests that ultraviolet exposure not exceed 1mW / cm2

Design Reviews and Equipment Inspections – Output measurement for the UV of the device, characterization of the equipment.

Hazard Control Assistance - Consultation is available through the ESH Divisional Coordinators and ESQ Industrial Hygiene.  Contact the local Floor Coordinator for assistance in scheduling a consultation.

Training – No additional training is specified for this hazard class.

Signs and Labeling – Contact the ESH Divisional Coordinators for applicable signage.

The following wording should be posted to notify personnel in the immediate area of UV generating equipment:

Caution: UV Radiation Hazard.  Warning: Do Not Expose Eyes and Skin to Ultraviolet Light.  UV Rays May Be Harmful to Unprotected Eyes and Skin.

The following wording should be posted on UV generating equipment:

Caution: UV Generating Device.  UV Radiation Hazard.  Use Only with Shielding In Place.  Protect Eyes and Skin from UV Exposure.

Personal Protective Equipment – UV resistant safety glasses, UV resistant safety goggles, UV resistant face shield, lab coat, and gloves.

Monitoring – None required after initial equipment review and control implementation.

 
Experiment Authorization
Unless otherwise noted in the approved experiment safety plan, the PSC Deputy Associate Laboratory Director of Operations delegates the authority to authorize an experiment in this hazard class to a member of the APS Experiment Safety Review Board and resident beamline personnel having the authority to authorize experiments as listed in the ESAF system. Approval by both the host beamline and the APS Experiment Safety Review Board are mandatory prerequisites for experiment authorization.
 
Hazard Control Verification
Unless otherwise noted in the approved experiment safety plan, the PSC Deputy Associate Laboratory Director of Operations delegates responsibility for verifying that required controls are in place to the experiment On-Site Spokesperson and Beamline Management.
 
References
Contact the APS User Safety Program with any questions or if the internal links are not working properly.
Reviewed: February 24, 2024