The effect of eye protection equipment on protection of workers against Ultraviolet and Infrared Radiations

Workers may be exposed to non-ionizing radiation from sun or artificial sources such as some types of lamps and the arc-welding process. Skin burning, accelerating the skin aging, cataract, retinal burn, gene mutation, and adverse effects on human immune system are the other causes for concern. The objectives of this research are to determine the amount of workers’ exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiations in different occupational groups and assessing the effectiveness of eye protection equipment on protection of workers against exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiations inSarcheshmeh Copper Complex.

The amount of workers’ exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiations in two conditions (using eye protection equipment and not use protective equipment) was investigated. For the purpose of measuring the amount of workers’ exposure, measurements were conducted using Hagner digital radiometer at 8 times during each month over a one year period.

The average intensities of ultraviolet radiation according to different months in the mining workshop, smelting unit, and engineering workshop were 0.29, 0.25, and 0.08 MW/cm2, respectively. The average intensities of infrared radiation in the smelting unit, casting unit, and refinery unit were 5.96, 2.60, and 1.87 MW/cm2, respectively. The results of study indicated that eye protective equipment was significantly associated with decreases in the amount of workers’ exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiations in these workplaces (p< 0.001).

Eye protective equipment is the effective barrier against workers’ exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiations.