Examining UV Light Risks In Printing Workplaces

Workers exposed to artificial UV light sources have become increasingly concerned about risks to their health and safety.

That is according to UV Light Technology, which said those worries are a result of media coverage concerning the potential detrimental effects of sunlight and sunbeds, which has lead to widespread misinformation and misunderstanding regarding UV light exposure in the workplace.

In response UV Light Technology of Birmingham (UK) has introduced a one-day health and safety training course - 'Safety First with UV Light' - that is said to be designed to provide the information necessary for employers to meet their obligations for the safe use of UV light equipment and gain confidence from, and acceptance by the workforce.

The new EU Optical Radiation Directive 2006/25/EC concerning UV light exposure in the workplace lays out the minimum health and safety requirements for the protection of workers from risks associated with exposure to artificial UV light.

It puts the responsibility on the employer to determine personal UV light exposure levels, compare with exposure limit values and assess risks to employees and the necessary controls.

The UV Light Technology course is claimed to provide details of how to determine personal UV light exposure levels, assess compliance with the exposure limit values and appropriate control measures to safeguard workers.

Delegates will be introduced to a step by step guide to provide a template procedure for undertaking and recording risk assessments concerning associated adverse health affects from UV light exposure from artificial sources in the workplace.

The training course syllabus includes employer obligations as a result of the new Optical Radiation Directive, the criteria for UV light equipment selection based on optimising performance whilst minimising risk and the definition and classification of UV light.

The course also covers potential adverse health effects from exposure to artificial UV light including detection, reporting and health surveillance, together with heightened individual and collective susceptibility, the UV light exposure limit values (ELV's) and how to determine personal UV light exposure levels and assess compliance with the exposure limit values.

In addition, the appropriate control measures, including information and training for workers will also be covered.

Paul Jackson, managing director of UV Light Technology, explained: "In today's world most people understand the importance of complying with relevant regulations but sometime it is hard to keep up with changes.

This is why we designed our one day 'Safety First with UV Light' training course.

In addition UV Light Technology Limited offer an extensive range of health and safety products for use in conjunction with UV light equipment, these include: their publication entitled 'Safety First with UV Light', UV eye and face protection, UV protective plastic sheet, UV bulb change kit and hazard warning signs.

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