Frequently Asked Questions

What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the optical radiation spectrum, beyond visible light. It is commonly divided into:

  • UV-A (315 – 400 nm)
  • UV-B (280 – 315 nm)
  • UV-C (100 – 280 nm)

In the workplace, UV radiation may be generated deliberately by artificial sources, such as lamps used for inspection, disinfection and curing, or unintentionally as a by-product of certain processes.

Why is UV radiation a health and safety concern?

Artificial UV radiation can cause injury to the eyes and skin, sometimes very quickly, and often without obvious warning.

Unlike visible light, UV exposure:

  • Is often invisible
  • May not feel hot or uncomfortable
  • Can cause damage before symptoms appear

This makes UV radiation a foreseeable and controllable occupational hazard that must be properly managed.

What are the health effects of UV exposure?

Health effects depend on wavelength, intensity and exposure duration, but can include:

  • Photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis (painful inflammation of the eyes)
  • Skin erythema (sunburn)
  • Accelerated skin ageing
  • Increased risk of skin cancer
  • Long-term eye damage, including cataracts

Both acute and cumulative exposures are relevant.

Is UV radiation regulated in the workplace?

Yes. In the UK, artificial UV radiation is covered by the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010.

These regulations apply wherever workers may be exposed to artificial sources of UV radiation as part of their work.

What do the regulations require employers to do?

Employers must:

  • Assess the risk from artificial optical radiation
  • Ensure exposure does not exceed legal Exposure Limit Values (ELVs)
  • Eliminate the risk where possible, or reduce it so far as reasonably practicable
  • Apply engineering and organisational controls before relying on PPE
  • Provide information, instruction and training to workers
  • Review controls and assessments when circumstances change

These duties apply regardless of industry or business size.

What are UV exposure limit values?

Exposure limit values are set to protect against known biological effects of UV radiation. They are:

  • Wavelength dependent
  • Based on biological weighting, not brightness or heat

Some UV sources can see the exposure limits exceeded in seconds if not adequately controlled.

Do all UV systems need a risk assessment?

Yes, where there is foreseeable exposure to workers. Risk assessment is particularly important for:

  • Open or partially enclosed UV systems
  • UV-C disinfection units
  • Maintenance, inspection or fault-finding tasks
  • Situations involving reflections or access to UV emitting components

Generic or paper-based assessments are often insufficient for UV hazards.

What control measures are expected for UV safety?

The regulations require a hierarchy of control, including:

  1. Elimination or substitution where possible
  2. Engineering controls, such as enclosures, shielding and interlocks
  3. Organisational controls, including procedures, permits and access restriction
  4. Personal protective equipment (PPE) where residual risk remains

PPE should not be relied on as the primary control.

Is training a legal requirement?

Yes. Employers must provide information, instruction and training to workers who may be exposed to artificial UV radiation.

This includes:

  • Understanding what UV radiation is
  • Awareness of health risks
  • Knowing where exposure may occur
  • Understanding control measures and safe working practices

Training should be specific to the equipment and tasks, not generic.

Can UV safety be managed without specialist support?

While employers may carry out their own assessments, they must be competent to do so.

UV risk assessment involves:

  • Understanding spectral output and exposure limits
  • Evaluating reflected and abnormal exposures
  • Interpreting regulatory requirements correctly

Many organisations seek specialist external support to ensure assessments and controls are technically accurate, proportionate and defensible.

What are the risks of getting UV safety wrong?

Inadequate control of UV exposure can result in:

  • Worker injury or ill health
  • Enforcement action by the HSE
  • Civil liability and reputational damage
  • Disruption to operations

UV hazards are well-established, and failure to manage them properly may be viewed as reasonably foreseeable.

How can you help?

We provide specialist support to help organisations manage UV risks effectively and comply with legal requirements.

Our services include:

  • UV risk assessment training for safety teams
  • On-site UV exposure and compliance assessments
  • Practical recommendations for risk reduction
  • UV hazard awareness training for workers

Our approach is aligned with HSE expectations and focuses on real-world use, not unnecessary complexity.

When should we seek advice on UV safety?

You should consider specialist support if:

  • You operate artificial UV light sources
  • UV has not been formally assessed before
  • New equipment or processes are introduced
  • You are unsure whether exposure limits are met
  • You want confidence that your arrangements are compliant

Early advice can prevent injury, enforcement action and costly redesign later.