When it comes to workplace safety, many businesses focus on visible hazards such as heavy machinery, chemicals, and electrical risks. But what about the dangers you can’t see?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible hazard present in many workplaces, from manufacturing and healthcare to food processing and aerospace. Yet, misconceptions about UV safety often lead to inadequate protection and non-compliance with regulations, putting workers at risk of serious eye and skin injuries.
Let’s break down 7 common myths about UV safety and reveal the facts that every employer needs to know.
Myth 1: “UV exposure only happens outdoors”
Fact: Many workplaces use artificial UV sources that pose a serious risk indoors.
Most people associate UV exposure with the sun, but artificial UV light sources are widely used in industrial, healthcare, and scientific settings. These include:
- UV curing lamps used in printing, electronics, and manufacturing.
- Germicidal UV-C lamps for disinfection in hospitals, food processing, and water treatment.
- UV-A Inspection lamps in non-destructive testing and forensic analysis.
- Plasma torches, welding arcs, and phototherapy devices.
Without proper safety measures, workers may unknowingly be exposed to harmful UV radiation indoors, leading to serious health risks.
Myth 2: “If you can’t feel the heat, it’s safe”
Fact: UV radiation is invisible and doesn’t generate heat, but it can still cause serious harm.
Unlike infrared radiation (heat), UV radiation is undetectable by human senses. That means workers can be exposed without realizing it, until symptoms appear hours later. Unprotected UV exposure can cause:
- Photo keratitis (“arc eye”) – a painful eye injury.
- Skin burns – even short exposures can cause damage.
- Long-term risks – including premature aging, cataracts, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
This is why UV safety measures are essential, even if workers don’t feel an immediate effect.
Myth 3: “Regular safety goggles are enough protection”
Fact: Not all safety goggles block UV radiation effectively.
Many workplaces assume that standard protective eyewear provides UV protection, but that’s not always the case. For effective UV protection, eye protection must be specifically rated for UV blocking. This means:
- Using UV-filtering goggles or face shields designed for the specific wavelength of UV exposure.
- Ensuring lenses meet relevant safety standards (e.g., EN 170 for UV protection).
- Considering wrap-around styles for full coverage, as UV light can enter from the sides or below.
Using the wrong eyewear gives a false sense of security, leaving workers vulnerable to UV-related eye injuries.
Myth 4: “Short exposure times mean no risk”
Fact: Even brief UV exposure can cause cumulative damage over time.
Many employers assume that workers aren’t at risk if they’re only exposed for short periods. However, UV damage accumulates, meaning repeated small exposures can be just as harmful as one prolonged exposure.
- Just a few seconds of unprotected exposure to high-intensity UV sources can cause eye and skin damage.
- UV-related injuries aren’t always immediate—symptoms like eye irritation or skin burns can appear hours after exposure.
- Chronic low-level exposure can lead to long-term health effects including an increased risk of skin cancer and cataracts.
The safest approach? Minimize exposure as much as possible and always use appropriate protection.
Myth 5: “We’ve never had an issue, so we must be safe”
Fact: A lack of past incidents doesn’t mean your workplace is compliant or risk-free.
Many companies mistakenly believe that if they’ve never had a reported UV-related injury, their workplace must be safe. The problem is, UV exposure risks are often overlooked or undetected.
- Employees may not realize they’ve been exposed until symptoms appear later.
- Cumulative exposure damage can take years to become noticeable.
- Lack of reported incidents does not equal compliance, regulators require formal UV risk assessments and exposure controls.
The only way to know for sure is to conduct a proper risk assessment and UV exposure survey.
Myth 6: “UV PPE is enough, we don’t need other safety measures”
Fact: Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be the last line of defence, not the first.
Many employers rely solely on PPE (like gloves, face shields, and protective clothing) to protect workers from UV exposure. However, PPE should only be used when other risk reduction measures aren’t feasible.
The best approach to UV safety follows the hierarchy of controls:
- Eliminate or reduce exposure – Where possible, replace high-risk UV processes with safer alternatives.
- Engineering controls – Use shields, enclosures, or interlocks to physically block UV exposure.
- Administrative controls – Implement training, signage, restricted access, and exposure time limits.
- PPE as a last resort – Ensure workers use UV protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear.
Over-reliance on PPE can lead to safety gaps, particularly if PPE is worn incorrectly or not replaced when damaged.
Myth 7: “UV regulations don’t apply to our business”
Fact: If your workplace uses artificial UV light, you have legal obligations under health and safety laws.
Many businesses wrongly assume that UV safety laws only apply to outdoor workers or industries like welding and healthcare. But in reality, any workplace using artificial UV sources must comply with regulations such as:
- The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 – Requires businesses to assess and control UV exposure risks.
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – General duty to protect workers from all foreseeable hazards.
- The PPE at Work Regulations 2022 – Ensures proper protective equipment is provided where needed.
Failing to comply with UV safety regulations can result in HSE enforcement action, fines, and even legal claims from employees.
Are you sure your workplace is compliant?
If your business uses artificial UV light, assumptions can lead to serious risks. The only way to be certain that your workers are safe and that your business is compliant, is to conduct a professional UV risk assessment.
Need help assessing your workplace UV safety?
- Join a free UV safety webinar to learn more about your legal obligations.
- Schedule a free, no-obligation discussion to review your compliance status.
- Get in touch today to ensure your workers are fully protected.
Don’t wait for an incident to happen, protect your employees and your business now.