|
|
|
|
UV Protection..!
Scientific laboratories are the most challenging places to work safely. This article alert you to a significant radiation risk that present in the laboratories - ultraviolet light (UV), most of us studied and remember that ultraviolet makes up a small band on the electromagnetic spectrum, that the sun is our largest source of ultraviolet. Perchance many of us work with ultraviolet light daily and are well aware in the science of electromagnetic radiation; however, this article will focus with a basic ultraviolet review.
Ultraviolet is a form of nonionizing radiation light or is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays, observed within the electromagnetic spectrum between X-rays, visible light and is generally split up into 3 classes based upon wavelength :
- UV-A with a wavelength of 315 to 400 nanometre (nm) known as black light,
- UV-B with a wavelength from 280 to 314 nanometre known as eurythermal, prevalent in sunlight,
- UV-C with a wavelength from 100-280 nanometre known as germicidal (used by germicidal lamps).
For type I and II the sun is a major source; and for type III is almost never observed in nature as it is absorbed completely in the atmosphere before passing the earth's surface.
In Spite of the fact that ultraviolet generally invisible, under some conditions especially children and young adults can see ultraviolet down to wavelengths of about 310 nm and people with missing lens can also see some UV wavelengths. Near -UV is visible to a number of insects and birds.
Risks of ultraviolet do not discern among workplace, home and furthermore to sunlight, ultraviolet sources are found in the workplace, includes scientific laboratories and mechanical rooms. Sources include some biosafety cabinets, certain types of hand-held light sources and laboratory instruments like spectrophotometers; the occasional accident report ensuing from non-sunlight UV exposure.
Ultraviolet bactericidal lamps are designed to give off UV-C radiation as its ability to kill bacteria. Welding operations, though not common in the lab, can be found connected with maintenance activities and also give rise UV-C.
In humans, UV-C is generally absorbed in the outer dead layers of the skin. Overexposure to UV-C can result in to corneal burns.
UV burns to the eye are described as a feeling like "sand in the eye". According to some recommendations, no one should ever work in a biosafety cabinet with the ultraviolet lamps on, and in reality, the ultraviolet lamps should not be on when the room is engaged. UV light boxes are used for visualization of DNA on gels. They usually look like flat boxes with glass tops and possess UV lamps inner line. The glass layer permits the light to shine on the gel, making the DNA to "glow", however, this also potentially exposes the user. To minimize risk of injury, recent past most models introduced or modified with a shield to block the UV light.
For conventional models, there are various types of post-market shields that can be tied to put up good protection.
Access to rooms with open source open source transilluminators should be operated, managed and placed with admonitory sign showing that face and other parts protection is required to enter when a UV-transilluminator is in use.
The protection required is standard laboratory attire which includes:
- A lab coats
- Gloves
- Cap
- Long pants
- Shoes etc
While engaging with UV radiation sources, laboratory staff must be careful to prevent gaps in dressing that will expose the skin, furthermore to the standard laboratory apparel, to protect eyes and face, a polycarbonate face shield labeled for UV protection.
Additionally, there are many common medications that increase an individual's photosensitivity and resultant susceptibility to ultraviolet burns. All necessary precaution should be taken here or should review all medications with doctor to find if any of them raise risk for ultraviolet induced damage.
You might be in for sunburn:
Exposure to direct sunlight can be a worry for anybody engaged in outdoors; the exposure guidelines' for the general people for sun exposure are definitely applicable to the workplace as well. There is enough good information on the use of protective clothing and sun screens and on limiting exposure in the middle of the day, here is the guidance which helps to prevent skin and other disorders:
When working in sunlight wear long pants and long sleeves to cover the skin. There is now good lightweight apparel in the market that is cool yet provides good protection.
Use skin protection products that contain avobenzone, ecamsule, zinc oxide, which are likely to provide some protection against UV- rays.
Put on a hat with at least 2 to 3 inch rim as it protects body parts are often exposed to the sunlight.
When working for long hours in the sunlight without taking any precautions to your eyes increase your chances of developing ophthalmic disorders. Always use UV-blocking sunglasses that can help you to protect eyes.
To conclude, we all learned to limit our vulnerabilities to the destructive ultraviolet rays by timing, sunscreens, effective clothing, and shade. We hope you carry these important things to your life for maximum protection as safety becomes priority.
|
|
