Uv Curing System Safety - Oce Arizona 550 GT User Manual

UV Curing System Safety

UV Curing System Safety
Introduction
The UV Curing System on the Arizona printers generate hazardous levels of thermal,
electrical and UV energies.
These printers use 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:
A high concentration of ozone can cause irritation, headaches or nausea. Provide adequate
ventilation as indicated in the Site Preparation Guide.
Note:
The printers have 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
on how it works.
24 Chapter 3 - Safety Information
"'Interlock Safety System' on page 26" for more details