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UV-C Safety

Direct UV-C Safety

Avoid exposure to direct or reflected germicidal ultraviolet rays, which cause painful eye irritation and reddening of the skin. UV-C models with lamps exposed must only be used if the following safety measures are met:

  1. The area must be unoccupied by people and animals. Plants should be removed or covered. Warning signs must be posted at all room entrances.
  2. For applications requiring that certain personnel occupy the room while the unit is operating, they must wear proper protective gear for their eyes and skin, including gloves, a long sleeve shirt with no gaps between cuffs and gloves, and a UV-blocking face shield.
  3. We do not provide devices known as “UV wands” and do not recommend their use. UV wands must never be used without proper protective gear.
Safety icons for direct UV disinfection
Safety icons for UV upper air disinfection

Upper Air UV-C Safety

Upper air UV disinfection models project UV-C rays across upper room air currents. While lamps are exposed, these units are designed to safely operate without the danger of exposing occupants below to harmful ultraviolet rays.

To ensure safety, follow these precautions when operating these UV-C models:

  1. Mount fixtures at least 7 feet from the floor.
  2. If concerned that stray UV-C wavelengths may be entering the occupied portion of the room, use a UV-C meter to measure exposure. The acceptable exposure limit from 254-nanometer UV-C lamps is 0.2 microwatts per square centimeter for an 8-hour period.
  3. Turn off or unplug UV models before upper room maintenance is performed. Being on the same level of the UV-C lamp will cause direct exposure, which can damage eyes and skin.
  4. Post caution signs near fixtures.

Safety for Direct UV-C Exposure in Enclosed Spaces

UV-C fixtures designed for air ducts and liquid storage tanks are intended to operate in completely enclosed spaces. However, if the following UV-C safety measures are not followed, accidental exposure from direct or reflected rays can occur, causing painful eye irritation and reddening of the skin.

Air Ducts

  1. Turn off or unplug UV models before anyone enters the duct or performs any service.
  2. Caution signs must be posted on the duct.

Liquid Storage Tanks

  1. Turn off or unplug UV models before tanks are opened or any service is performed.
  2. Caution signs must be posted on the liquid storage tank.
  3. UV-C lamps which are part of storage tank sanitizers must never be used as “UV wands.”
Safety icons for UV disinfection in air ducts and liquid storage tanks