Specifications
14 EC-Series Flood Lamps for UVCS-Series Conveyors
SAFETY
Dymax ultraviolet light-curing technology has been used successfully for over 30 years. The fast cure, one-
component nature of our UV light-curing technology has made it the process of choice for many manufacturers
requiring a "cure on demand" assembly process. There are four common questions/concerns related to UV light-
curing systems: UV exposure, high-temperature surfaces, ozone, and bright, visible light.
UV EXPOSURE
Standard Dymax UV light-curing systems and bulbs have been designed to primarily emit UVA light
(as shown in
Chart 1). UVA light is generally considered the safest of the three UV ranges: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Although
OSHA does not currently regulate ultraviolet light exposure in the workplace, the American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) does recommend Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for ultraviolet light.
The strictest interpretation of the TLV (over the UVA range) for workers’ eyes and skin is 1 mW/cm
2
(intensity),
continuous exposure. Unless workers are placing bare hands into the curing area, it is unusual to exceed these
limits. To put 1 mW/cm
2
limit into perspective, cloudless summer days in Connecticut regularly exceed 3 mW/cm
2
of UVA light and also include the more dangerous UVB light (primarily responsible for sun tans, sun burns, and
skin cancer) as well.
Chart 1. Light Spectrum
The human eye can not detect “pure” UV light, only visible light. A radiometer should be used to measure stray
UV light to confirm the safety of a UV curing process. A workstation that exposes an operator to more than
1 mW/cm
2
of UVA continuously should be redesigned.
Curing of UV light-curable adhesives can be a regulatory compliant, “worker-friendly” manufacturing process
when the proper safety equipment and operator training is utilized. There are two ways to protect operators from
UV exposure: shield the operator and/or shield the source.
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 is available from Dymax.
UV-Blocking Skin Protection – Where the potential exists for UV exposure upon skin, opaque, UV-
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.