Uv Curing System Safety; Interlock Safety - Oce Arizona 200 GT User Manual

UV Curing System Safety

UV Curing System Safety
Introduction
The UV Curing System on the Océ Arizona 200/250/350 GT generates hazardous
levels of thermal, electrical and UV energies.
The Océ Arizona 200/250/350 GT printer uses UV-curable ink that needs a high energy
level of UV light to cure. The system is made up of two medium pressure mercury arc
lamps attached to the carriage. The ink has been designed using the proper photo-initiator
to cure at the highest efficient wavelength of the Lamp (366nm).
UV Lamp Hazards: Superficial eye damage and burning of the skin can occur with even
brief exposure to UV light. Serious injuries can result from prolonged exposure, especially
if unshielded. UV lamps operate at very high temperatures (approximately 800° Centi-
grade). For this reason, never touch a lamp which has been in operation. Let the lamp
cool before attempting any maintenance, and then use extreme care in handling the lamp
cartridges. The UV bulbs contain a small amount of metallic mercury which is toxic when
ingested, handled, or breathed. Therefore, if bulbs are broken, care should be taken to
clean up the spill immediately, and then disposed of according to local regulations con-
cerning Mercury disposal.
Bare skin contact with the UV lamps must be avoided. Compounds from the skin when
heated on lamps operating at 600 to 850° C will form permanent etching on the quartz
surface that can decrease UV energy transmission. A contaminated lamp eventually may
overheat, causing premature failure.
Ozone: Ozone is a toxic gas which all medium pressure UV lamps create. As the lamp
warms up, it briefly passes through a section of the light spectrum which excites oxygen
molecules enough to create ozone. Once a UV lamp has completely warmed up, only
very minute amounts of ozone are present.
Note:
The Océ Arizona 200/250/350 GT printer has a built-in interlock safety system that
shuts down the motion motors if the interlock is tripped. This ensures that the operator
is not exposed to any hazards. The interlock system includes an aluminum safety gate
around the perimeter of the carriage that reduces the UV light exposure and also stops
carriage motion if it is not properly seated. See the section
page 30" for more details on how it works.
Caution:
Warning for Seated Individuals: The UV Emissions and Blue Light Emissions profile
of the Océ Arizona 200/250/350 GT is at its worst for individuals in a seated position
(Table Height of 90cm). Remove all chairs within 5 metres (16 feet) of the printer.
28 Chapter 3 - Safety Information
"'Interlock Safety System' on