Artificial ultraviolet (UV) lighting is used in a wide range of industries and applications, from disinfection and inspection processes to curing and bonding. Like many industrial tools, UV lamps are easy to purchase from a variety of manufacturers and suppliers. However, just because they are readily available does not mean they are risk-free.
Unlike hazards associated with other workplace equipment, UV light exposure is invisible and often underestimated. This creates a serious challenge: organisations may be unknowingly placing workers at risk of over-exposure, with potentially harmful health effects, regulatory non-compliance, and financial liabilities.
Why UV risks are often overlooked
In industries using lasers, robust safety frameworks are the norm. Laser specialists, in-house expertise, and strict compliance measures help ensure that risks are well controlled. UV radiation, on the other hand, is not always afforded the same level of attention.
Many companies lack UV safety specialists and may not have the tools or knowledge to properly measure exposure or assess compliance.
In some cases, over-exposure to UV light goes undetected entirely, as certain types of lamps do not cause immediate acute effects that would otherwise act as warning signs.
Legal obligations employers cannot ignore
The legal responsibility to protect workers from artificial optical radiation is clear.
- European Directive 2006/25/EC sets minimum health and safety requirements for exposure to artificial optical radiation, including UV.
- In the UK, this is implemented through the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010, which places a duty on employers to assess, manage, and control UV exposure in the workplace.
These regulations require:
- Putting in place effective risk assessments and control measures.
- Ensuring statutory exposure limits are not exceeded.
- Providing workers with appropriate information and training.
Failure to comply not only endangers worker health but can also result in enforcement action, fines, and potential compensation claims.
The case for competent UV risk management
Any organisation using artificial UV light, regardless of the process or application, must have competent knowledge in-house to:
- Understand the specific risks and legal obligations.
- Decide whether UV risk can be effectively managed internally.
- Recognise when external expertise is required, particularly for the complex task of measuring and assessing personal exposure.
Without this, compliance gaps and workplace injuries are far more likely.
Helping organisations protect workers and stay compliant
We run regular UV risk management training courses designed to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools needed to manage UV safety effectively. Over the years, we’ve supported hundreds of companies across Europe, helping them comply with regulations while protecting thousands of workers.
Whether you already use UV lights in your workplace or are planning to introduce them, ensuring safety and compliance should never be an afterthought.
Final thought
Artificial UV lights may be easy to procure, but safe and compliant use requires careful management. By understanding the risks, legal framework, and control measures, organisations can safeguard their people and avoid costly compliance failures.
If your business uses UV in any capacity, now is the time to ensure you have the right expertise in place, either internally or through external support.