Protect Workers from Ultraviolet Light Exposure

by Kristin Garland, Consulting Safety Officer, Safety Partners, Inc.
Denise Aronson, President, Safety Partners, Inc.
Kim Caserta, Consulting Safety Officer, Safety Partners, Inc.

Do you use UV light in the lab? Ultraviolet (UV) light is used in the lab for many reasons: transilluminators are used for viewing gels, and lamps are used as a germicide in biosafety cabinets and for curing adhesives. Although commonly used, UV light has many hazards associated with it. It can be carcinogenic, cause skin burns and lead to cataracts. The cumulative effect of exposure to UV light in the laboratory may have a more pronounced effect than with other laboratory hazards, since everyone is already exposed to UV light in their everyday lives at levels that may result in the manifestation of chronic illness. Therefore, proper safety practices and use of available PPE (personal protective equipment) are essential for worker protection in environments where UV light is utilized.

As with other light hazards, there are recommended occupational exposure limits to UV light. OSHA does not have guidelines for UV exposure, but refers to the guidelines set forth by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The ACGIH's threshold limits are dependent upon the wavelength of the light coming from the UV light source, ranging from 3 mJ/cm² to 100 J/ cm². It is important to note that light reflected off surfaces, such as the stainless steel work surface of a biosafety cabinet, can cause significant exposures. Since exposure calculations are very difficult to calculate for all UV sources in the lab, all exposure to UV light will be minimized through the use of engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.

Many UV light-emitting items come already equipped with engineering controls, such as the sash of a biosafety cabinet or the polycarbonate shield attached to a transilluminator. When used properly, these controls can significantly reduce exposures. As an administrative control, all areas where UV light is emitted should be signed appropriately to warn all employees of the risks present. There is no universally accepted UV warning label, but the sign should include a warning symbol and "UV light hazard - do not look directly at light," or other verbiage to that effect. Lastly, PPE must be used to protect from any stray light that escapes engineering controls or from accidental exposure not otherwise anticipated. A full face shield of UV protective material is the most effective way to prevent exposure to the eyes and skin on the face, and a lab coat and gloves can provide protection for any other potentially exposed skin.

A Job Safety Analysis can help you determine if you have these UV hazards present and which controls will work for you and your facility.

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Safety Partners efficiently and cost-effectively implements hands-on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs at emerging life sciences companies. Safety Partners tailors its programs to each client's unique science, processes, procedures, and facilities, while reducing program implementation burdens. Its expertise is unmatched, clocking over 85,000 hours at over 120 New England life sciences firms.