When working with UV equipment, use the correct protective gear.
Many of the ultraviolet (UV) sources used in the laboratory emit high intensities of UV light, capable of producing painful eye and skin burns. For this reason, it’s critical to use a UV face shield and cover all exposed skin areas when working with UV in the lab.
Sources of UV in the lab
Some sources of UV light in the lab setting include germicidal lamps in viewing cabinets, transilluminators used to visualize DNA bands in gels. If you are using this type of lab equipment, you most likely are wearing the proper PPE as determined by your lab’s EHS.
Common UV terms
Fluorescence
Emission of light produced by certain substances when excited by ultraviolet energy. The emission ends when UV source is removed.
Germicidal
Sterilization action of short wave ultraviolet light. UV light, in the range of 254 nm, penetrates the cell membrane of living cells and disrupts the DNA molecules, preventing cell replication.
Luminescence
Emission of light produced by the absorption of short wave radiation (such as ultraviolet).
Phosphorescence
Emission of light which continues after the excitation source is removed.
View our selection of ultraviolet equipment.
Be the first to comment on "Using Ultraviolet Lab Equipment Safely"