Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation & Sun Exposure
July 6th 2018
Safety Services Company
- Best Practices
- Safety Culture
Safety Against Sun Exposure & Ultraviolet Radiation
Welcome to Safe Friday, since July is typically the hottest month of the year, we’re going to offer-up a healthy dose of practical tips to help you combat sun exposure and (UV) ultraviolet radiation. Whether you’re an experienced professional, or new on the job, we’re going to offer something for everyone! Though the sun has its benefits, it can also prove to be very harsh on your skin and bad for your eyes. Exposure to the sun for long periods of time is very harmful and can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, immune system damage, skin cancer, photosensitivity and eye damage. Here, we will learn how to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun on our body.- Damage happens when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage cells, and we don’t feel this as it’s happening. Sun damage can occur even when the sun doesn’t feel very hot or you are under a shade
- Over-exposure to UV light is harmful to the eyes as well. Going out in the sun without proper eye protection can cause a temporary but painful burn to the surface of the eye
- Staring directly at the sun can permanently scar your retina. Eye inflammation and cataract development are some of the sun’s harmful effects on the eyes
- Skin cancer is the main risk of exposure to the harmful UV rays. It can affect anyone, but those who have fair skin, fair or light-colored hair, light-colored eyes, sensitive skin or lots of moles and freckles are more prone to skin cancer. A family history of skin cancer and having been severely sun burned at an early age also cause a higher risk
- You can protect your face and head from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. This can reduce the amount of UV rays reaching your face and eyes by over 50%. Protect your eyes as well by wearing appropriate eye protection such as sunglasses. Sunglasses have specifications which will ensure you that your eyes are adequately protected. Look for the ‘CE Mark’, a UV 400 label, or an indication that the sunglasses offer a 100% UV protection. Consider sunglasses with wide or wraparound arms
- The most harmful time of the day to be out under the sun (or when the UV Index is very high) is from 11 am to 3 pm. As much as possible, stay in the shade or indoors during these times. The higher the sun is in the sky, the higher the UV level. UV is generally highest during the summertime as well
- Heavy cloud cover usually reduces UV radiation levels while UV rays are reflected off surfaces such as snow, water, sand, and concrete, and indirect UV radiation can still significantly affect your overall exposure to the sun’s radiation
- Wear a sun protection lotion or broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 15+ sun protection factor (SPF), a higher SPF provides for better sun protection. Be sure to re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially when swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors
- Don’t rely entirely on sunscreen for your sun protection. Sunscreen can easily wear off and should never be used to extend sun exposure. The SPF on sunscreens is a laboratory measure that grades the ability of a sunscreen to block UVB radiation. It’s not a number that can be directly translated into an estimate of sun protection or sun-safe practices
- If you notice any abnormalities or irregularities on your skin after over exposure to the sun, see a doctor immediately. Report mole changes or unusual skin growths to your doctor as these can be a sign of cancer
- Watch for the UV Index or the intensity of the harmful rays of the sun. A UV Index (UVI) of 1 and 2 are classified as low; UVI of 3, 4, and 5 are moderate; then UVI 6 and 7 are high; UVI 8, 9, and 10 are very high; and a UVI 11 is classified as extreme
Sunscreen is PPE
As we’ve stressed, it’s very important to protect your skin because it shields the rest of your body from potentially harmful Ultra-Violet (UV) or Infra-Red (IR) radiation from the Sun’s rays. Sunscreen may be considered Personal Protective Equipment when used to defend against over-exposure from “photon” radiation. The type of skin pigmentation (melanin) a person has, and the amount of unprotected exposure to UV and IR rays, will determine the degree of skin reaction. Initially, the skin becomes red, painful and maybe even slightly swollen; later, blisters can form, and the skin may peel or flake. The best – and most obvious – way to prevent sun damage is to stay out of strong, direct sunlight without preparation and protection.- Proper clothing and even ordinary window glass filters out virtually all damaging ultraviolet radiation sun-rays
- Clouds and fog are not good UV filters, you can still sunburn on cloudy or foggy days
- Snow, water and sand reflect sunlight, which magnifies the amount of ultraviolet radiation light that reaches your skin
- Over-the-counter rub-on ointment and cream preparations help protect your skin from these harmful rays
Sunburns
The skin shields the rest of your body from potentially harmful sunrays. Over-exposure to the Sun’s UV type A and B radiation will cause sunburn. Your skin pigmentation, and the amount of your unprotected exposure to UV rays, will determine the degree of your skin reaction. Initially, your skin becomes red, painful and maybe even slightly swollen; later, blisters can form, and the skin may peel or flake. Preventing Sunburn- The best – and most obvious – way to prevent sun damage is to stay out of strong, direct sunlight
- Proper clothing and even ordinary window glass filter out almost all damaging UV sun-rays
- Clouds and fog are not good UV filters, you can still sunburn on cloudy or foggy days
- Snow, water and sand reflect sunlight, which magnifies the amount of UV light that reaches your skin
- Commercially available rub-on ointment and cream preparations help protect your skin from these harmful rays
- Scheduling outside work when the danger of exposure to the sun is the lowest
- Offering shaded or indoor break areas
- Providing training about ultraviolet radiation dangers including:
- The risk of exposure
- How to prevent exposure
- The signs of overexposure
- Wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and may not reflect current regulations, best practices, or legal requirements. While accuracy was intended when published, some laws and standards may have changed. Do not rely on it as legal or professional advice.
For guidance specific to your situation, consult a legal professional or refer to the latest regulations. If you have questions or need assistance with additional compliance matters, our team is here to help. Click here to connect with our experts.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and may not reflect current regulations, best practices, or legal requirements. While accuracy was intended when published, some laws and standards may have changed. Do not rely on it as legal or professional advice.
For guidance specific to your situation, consult a legal professional or refer to the latest regulations. If you have questions or need assistance with additional compliance matters, our team is here to help.