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Halide Lamp Safety Tips

Department:  Workplace
Type:  Safety Tips

 

Broken metal halide lamps can pose hazards from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. These lights, often used in gymnasiums, athletic facilities, large retail stores, and warehouses have protective covers that can cause significant eye and skin damage when broken.
 
Facilities that utilize metal halide lamps should take several precautions to protect workers or visitors and prevent possible UV overexposures:
 
  • Educate workers about the potential hazard of UV light overexposure.
  • Regularly inspect overhead lights for cracks or breakage.
  • Use self-extinguishing metal halide lamps. When breakage occurs, the lamp will shut down automatically as a precaution. Metal halide lamps utilizing this feature are commercially available.
  • For existing lamps, consider an additional glass or plastic lens to screen UV rays. The additional protective lens fits under the light and envelope assembly of the light.