Are There Any Safety Concerns for Using UV Disinfection?

Bacteria and disease-causing pathogens can contaminate spaces, making them unsafe for humans. UV disinfection is the most effective way to create healthier spaces within your facilities. This disinfection technology uses UV-C rays to deal with pathogens on different surfaces.
UVC disinfection is safe and effective if used properly. As a fairly new method, many property owners are concerned about the effects it may have and possible radiation risk. UVC disinfection products should be handled with care for both residential and commercial uses to enjoy optimal results and reduce risks. Here are some safety guidelines for UVC disinfection in home and industrial settings.
Home Safety Guidelines
Using UVC sterilizers at home can help protect your household against illness-causing pathogens like E. Coli and Salmonella. The UVC disinfection devices that are commonly sold for household use may contain safety engineering features like:
- Motion sensors: UVC lamps often feature motion sensors to help detect the presence of a person or animal in the room. Should anyone try entering the room, the lamp automatically turns off to prevent exposure.
- Gravity sensors: Handheld devices automatically power off the UVC source when the device faces up. This prevents the handler from experiencing any potential UVC radiation exposure.
- Automatic power on and off: UVC lamps can automatically power on when the room is not in use and power off while the room is in use. This will deal with germs while making sure everyone remains protected.
Industrial Safety Guidelines
UVC disinfection products are usable in warehouses, public schools, universities, office buildings, healthcare practitioners’ offices, and hospitals. These areas receive constant traffic, which increases the risk of germ transfer. Industrial or commercial settings need larger UVC devices to cover the increased need.
Here are the safety guidelines that all public members should follow when working or living in an area with UVC disinfection devices.
Training
Personal training about UVC disinfection devices helps create awareness about the product. The training should cover all business areas from junior to senior staff. Beyond correctly using protective equipment when handling UVC devices, here are some areas that the UVC disinfection program should include:
UVC disinfection safety awareness: Trainees will be introduced to the dos and don’ts when working with UVC devices. The precautions should also provide education about how to start the UVC device manually. Every employee also needs to learn the location of the emergency button on the UVC device to power it off when need be.
Health information: UVC disinfection training should include familiarizing one’s self with the risks of accidental exposure at work. Your workers need knowledge of the health effects of UVC radiation on the eyes, skin, throat, and lungs. Training can also encompass first aid response after UVC exposure.
Limiting Accessibility of UVC Disinfection Devices
UVC disinfection devices work best in unoccupied rooms. You should restrict access to the device while it is in operation to prevent exposure. Some measures you can use for optimal UVC disinfection and safe results are:
- Using UVC light in enclosed spaces while they are unoccupied.
- Using the disinfection device in an open space without restrictions and within a safe distance from people. Check with the manufacturer about any UV intensity or wavelength limitations that might prevent its functionality in such a setting.
- Locking away any mobile devices not in use to avoid unauthorized access.
Having Hazard Warnings
Part of the safety guidelines for UVC devices means having on-premise warning signs. Warning labels inform and remind members of the public of potential hazards, so they should act with caution.
The warning signs on business premises should contain:
- A UVC warning symbol (IEC-approved)
- Warning sign requesting members to protect their eyes and skin
- Labels indicating that the UVC device is energized
If you use upper UVC germicidal lamps, the warning labels should go near the lamps and on panels where the devices are installed. Label all activation switches correctly to avoid accidental activation.
Using Personal Protective Equipment
The effect of UVC radiation on the skin can be serious, so anyone operating or servicing a UVC device will need personal protective equipment. Here are some PPEs that operators should have on hand:
- Protective garments to cover exposed skin
- Gloves
- UVC-resistant eyewear like face shields, goggles, and safety glasses
Invest In UV Disinfection
UVC disinfection helps protect homes and businesses from disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella, E. Coli, and Norovirus. While the method is safe, you should institute safety precautions to prevent exposure. Invest in UV disinfection to keep your surfaces, air, and water germ-free.