Severe burns to the eyes can result in scarring of the cornea and permanent eye damage. Recent tests conducted on mercury vapour and metal halide lamps with the outer envelope removed gave ultraviolet radiation levels that exceeded the National Health and Medical Research Council 8 hourly exposure limit within a few minutes, even at several metres distance. Where possible automatically extinguishing lamps should be used. Alternatively, a protective shield should be installed under the lamp. This serves the purposes of protecting the lamp from breakage, absorbing hazardous ultraviolet radiation in event of breakage of the outer envelope and containing the glass fragments from any spontaneous breakage.
Shields are available from lighting distributors.
Regular checks need to be made of lamps to ensure the outer envelope is not broken or punctured. Persons exposed to radiation from a mercury vapour or metal halide lamp who develop skin burns or eye irritation should seek medical assistance, ensuring they advise their doctor of their exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Copies of this publication may be freely printed and distributed provided that WorkSafe Western Australia receives appropriate acknowledgement and that no substantial changes are made to the text.