Abstract
Objective: To investigate if the levels of optical radiation hazards in glassblowing are well classified according to the hazard types defined in the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard for industrial eye protectors.
Methods: We carried out radiometric measurements, and questionnaire survey in 4 university glassblowing laboratories, and 3 private studios.
Results: There is exposure to low levels of UV and IR radiation in all glassblowing operations. A supra-threshold IR radiation level exists in the craft glassblowing. The use of eye protectors is based on past experience regardless of the level of ocular exposure.
Conclusions: Optical radiation hazards exist in both craft and scientific glassblowing. There seems to be an inadequate understanding about radiation types encountered by glassblowers.
Résumé
Objectif: Étudier si les niveaux des radiations électromagnétiques dangereux dans l’industrie de soufflage de verre sont bien documentés et conformes aux normes actuelles de la CSA (Canadian Standards Association), afin de déterminer si les souffleurs de verres utilisent adéquatement des protecteurs oculaires.
Méthodes: Des mesures radiométriques ont été prises dans quatre laboratoires universitaires de soufflage de verre et trois studios professionnels privés.
Résultats: Il y a un niveau relativement bas de radiation ultraviolet (UV) et infrarouge (IR) dans toutes les étapes de soufflage de verre, cependant il existe un niveau d’exposition plus élevé d’infrarouge dans le soufflage de verre au milieu professionnel. L’utilisation des protecteurs oculaires est basée sur l’historique et non sur le taux d’exposition oculaire.
Conclusions: Les dangers reliés aux radiations électromagnétiques existent aux deux niveaux de l’industrie de soufflage de verre, notamment scientifique et professionnel. Les souffleurs ont une compréhension insuffisante envers l’utilisation des lunettes protectrices et les différents types de radiation
Footnotes
Disclaimer: Authors have no commercial interest in any products mentioned in this article.
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