What are the hazards of UV lamps in biosafety cabinets to experimenters? How to use UV lamps correct

The commonly used ultraviolet lamps in biosafety cabinets are 254 nanometer wavelength ultraviolet lamps, which have certain harmful effects on the eyes and skin of the human body. Therefore, when using ultraviolet lamps, the following points must be noted:
1. Try to minimize the time and frequency of personnel being exposed to ultraviolet radiation, especially do not directly observe the radiation of ultraviolet lamps.
2. Before operation, the ultraviolet lamp must be preheated for 10-15 minutes to fully excite the gas in the lamp tube and ensure sufficient ultraviolet radiation.
3. When turning on the UV light, the front window of the biosafety cabinet should be closed first to avoid UV radiation from entering the cabinet door. After the UV light is turned on, open the front window and place the test item in the biosafety cabinet.
When turning off the UV light, the front window should be closed first, and then the UV light should be turned off. Because active microorganisms may remain on the surface of objects illuminated by UV lamps, opening the front window under UV lamp irradiation can cause microorganisms to spread to the surrounding environment through airflow, increasing the risk of pollution.
5. The tubes of ultraviolet lamps also need to be replaced regularly to ensure that the output intensity and wavelength of ultraviolet rays meet the requirements.
In short, the correct use of ultraviolet lamps can maximize the protection of the health and safety of experimental personnel, while also ensuring the accuracy of experimental results.
The lifespan of ultraviolet lamps depends on multiple factors, including their manufacturing quality, usage environment, frequency of use, and so on. Generally speaking, the lifespan of ultraviolet lamps is usually around 5000 hours. However, regular inspection and replacement are required during use to ensure its normal operation and effective sterilization. It is recommended to inspect and replace the UV lamps every 6 months, or replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations. At the same time, pay attention to regularly cleaning the dirt on the surface of the lamp tube to ensure its optimal use effect.