An easy way you can avoid any harm from UV light is to ensure that the UV-C system you’re using has a reverse occupancy sensor. This will help ensure that your unit will not operate when a person enters the room during a disinfection cycle. Also, the ability of your UV lighting system to follow disinfection cycles is crucial. As such, if used properly, your R-Zero UV sanitation light system will give off enough germicidal UV light that ensures that mold and pathogens are killed. Also, the light won’t cause damage to materials and surfaces. Even then, the FDA offers safety guidelines that should be followed when operating a UV light to make sure this product is effective and even safe. As such, when using in large-scale commercial disinfection, you’ll require instructions to guarantee safe and proper use.
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Display UV-C warning signs
Displaying a warning sign outside a room is one crucial measure that ensures that no one enters as the UVC disinfection cycle is running. You can even use a simple sign to let people know that something is different and more caution needs to be taken.
Make sure the room is empty
Always make sure that no one is in the room as the UV-C unit is running. This is because UV-C rays can harm the eyes and skin. Besides the possibility of suffering burns, some systems also release ozone as part of a cycle. Also, the FDA recognizes that ozone levels found in UV products can range more than the recommended safety level for humans. Additionally, some UV units may also release an unpleasant smell once the cycle is completed. Although the smell isn’t harmful, it’s reason enough to ensure that no one is in the room during and after each cycle.
Wear long sleeves and gloves
Where exposure to UV-C isn’t avoidable, always make sure that you completely cover your skin. Work gloves or Nitrile gloves can protect your worker’s hands. Your cleaning crew should also wear safety clothing made using tightly woven fabrics and it should cover the whole body. Since UV-C systems can cause burns on your skin, your trained workers must follow the proper safety guidelines. Also, if trained workers have to be in the room as the UV-C unit is running, they should wear glass or plastic face shields or goggles to help protect the eyes and face.
Follow user training from the manufacture
Regardless of the UVC device you end up buying, it’s important and best practice to follow when operating UV-C systems is to read the operations manual. Also, be sure to follow the user training offered by the manufacturer. And if your system doesn’t include detailed information on how to safely use it, consider it’s a warning sign. Therefore, go ahead and choose another unit from a reputable brand.
All in all, safety is crucial for the operation of your UV-C systems. Therefore, make sure your cleaning teams are trained on how to safely operate the unit. And always ensure you display a warning sign when a cycle is running.
