Dymax BlueWave® 200 Rev. 1.1 User Guide
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/cm2
(intensity), continuous exposure. Unless workers are placing bare hands into the curing area, it is unusual
to exceed these limits. To put 1 mW/cm2limit into perspective, cloudless summer days in Connecticut
regularly exceed 3 mW/cm2of UVA light and also include the more dangerous UVB light (primarily
responsible for suntans, sun burns, and skin cancer) as well.
Checking the Workstation
The human eye cannot 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/cm2of UVA continuously should be redesigned.
Protecting Operators
UV light-curing of 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:
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.
Rigid Plastic Film -Transparent or translucent/UV-blocking plastics (typically polycarbonate or acrylic)
are commonly used to create shielding where some level of transparency is also desired.
Flexible Film -Translucent UV-blocking, flexible urethane films can be used to quickly create workstation
shielding. This UV-blocking, flexible urethane film is available from Dymax, call for assistance.
High-Temperature Surfaces
Surfaces exposed to high-intensity curing lights will rise in temperature. The intensity, distance, exposure
time, cooling fans, and the type/color of the surface can all affect the actual surface temperature. In some
cases, exposed surfaces can reach temperatures capable of producing a burn or causing damage to a
substrate. In these cases, care must be taken to ensure a more moderate surface temperature or
appropriate protection/training for operators.
Ozone
Standard Dymax bulbs (UVA type) generate an insignificant amount of UVC and therefore essentially no
ozone. Some UV light-curing systems, like those used to cure UV inks, emit primarily “shortwave” (UVB
and UVC) energy. Upon exposure to UVC light (specifically <240 nm), oxygen molecules (O2) split into
