Path A · Worker safety

UV dose at the workplace — EU-wide harmonised; the country only decides the enforcement authority.

UV band
Scenario
① Daily dose · 8 h shift
Effective exposure H_eff
30J/m²
Highest erythema and keratitis effectiveness; classic industrial UV-C case
② Maximum irradiance
Effective irradiance E_eff
~ 1mW/m²
For 8 h of continuous exposure · see the reciprocity table for other times

Reciprocity · H = E × t

Exposure timeMax. permitted E_effField example
1 second30.0 W/m²Quick glance through an open maintenance hatch
10 seconds3.0 W/m²Brief service action with the source on
1 minute500.00 mW/m²Short walk-through without PPE
10 minutes50.00 mW/m²Cleaning task nearby
1 hour8.33 mW/m²Extended stay in the area around the system
8 h (day shift)1.04 mW/m²Continuous workplace next to the system — practically only achievable with shielding
Field reality at UV-C 254 nm A 36 W low-pressure Hg lamp at 1 m distance typically produces ~1 W/m² E_eff. At that irradiance the maximum permitted exposure time is 30 s. 8 h continuous requires a factor-1000 shielding.

UV intensity × distance · service and installation sizing

I = I₀ / r²
r = 1.0 mUV source
Irradiance E_eff
1.00 W/m²
Reference: 1 W/m² bei 1 m
Reduction vs. reference
100.0 % vs. 1 m
Max exposure time
30 seconds
= ICNIRP 30 J/m² ÷ aktuelle E_eff
Distance 1.0 m
Source type
Practice: At 1.0 m distance you reach ~100 % of the reference intensity. Double to 2.0 m → only ~25 %. Distance is the most powerful protective lever.

Mandatory protective measures (DE)

  • Interlock against unauthorised opening during operation
  • Viewing window with UV-blocking glass (UV-block PMMA or specially filtered)
  • Warning sign "UV radiation" + operating instructions per OStrV
  • Annual instruction of employees (DGUV-I 203-039)
  • Documented risk assessment (BAuA / DGUV template)
Country · enforcement

Enforcement & escalation in DE

These authorities are responsible for your worker-safety path.

DE