A hospitality event with UV lights and lasers
changes within a liquid polymer( such as epoxy) to produce a harder material. Facilities may incorporate a variety of radiation safety controls such as UV protective screens, interlocks, PPE etc. In most cases, a radiation risk assessment would be required.
UV sources are used in the entertainment and hospitality sectors to create isolated areas of fluorescence. In some cases, personal exposures may need to be assessed to support a radiation risk assessment. Similarly, a UV torch may be used to initiate natural fluorescence in certain creatures. Radiation safety controls may not always be required at normal exposure times and working distances.
UV sources are used in clinical, industrial and commercial sectors to kill pathogens. The process works by targeting genetic material within the pathogen. The technique has been
shown to be successful against a broad variety of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. It has been used within the water supply industry for several years but has recently been adopted more widely. Radiation safety controls generally consist of enclosing the source and / or providing interlocking mechanisms to limit the chance of the direct illumination of an individual. However, an employer would normally require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a few germicidal consumer products have become available for use in the home. The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards tested a range of these devices and reported that, despite some safeguards, certain products could cause harm through UV exposure to an individual while others were incapable of inactivating viruses.
How do I go about getting more information? Certain commercial organisations can provide support in establishing a UV safety programme. Employers are encouraged to perform due diligence in their selection. Information on UV safety for employers of outdoor workers is available at www. sunsafeworkplaces. co. uk. General employer guidance is available from Health and Safety Executive( www. hse. gov. uk).
A millipede fluorescing under UV light
8 Radiation Protection Today www. srp-rpt. uk