Ultra-violet emissions from HMI daylight luminaires

The European Union Directive 2006/25/EC lays down the minimum safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from artificial optical radiation, including ultra-violet radiation (UVR). It places a responsibility on employers to assess exposure levels, adopt preventative measures and arrange for the provision of information and training for their workers. This is particularly important in entertainment where intentional exposure of the actors and presenters to very intense light sources may be required for extended periods of time. This study presents the results of the assessment of the optical radiation safety of six portable hydrargyrum medium-arc-length iodide daylight luminaires regularly used for film and television production at news locations. The study shows that if UVR is not adequately filtered, by UV blocking additives in the lamp envelope, output optics or safety glass of the luminaire, an accessible emission may present a significant risk of UVR overexposure to the skin and the eye.