OVERVIEW

Health, safety and environmental (HSE) aspects are of considerable importance for the whole UV coatings value chain, from the manufacturers of raw materials over formulators, all the way to the applicators and end users. Although UV-curable coatings are regarded as the most environmentally friendly coating systems, several precautionary measures have to be taken during handling and application. On the one hand this is due to the reactive chemistry of the formulations involved, where the liquid lacquers can be harmful to health, due to skin or eye irritation as well as inhalation, and on the other hand due to the exposure with UV light, which is harmful to skin and eyes. Furthermore, the short wavelength UV-C light can form ozone during exposure, which has to be exhausted during the curing process. Manufactures, suppliers and end users have to respond to current and emerging chemical regulations, like REACH, VOC and food-contact legislation. Additionally, the European Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control (IPPC) directive demanding the determination of best available techniques (BAT) will be a challenge but also offers opportunities for UV technology.1

In order to facilitate the safe handling and use of UV-curable systems several organisations have been dealing with the compilation of guidelines for labelling, safe handling and safe application. The RadTech Europe Organisation2 together with the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the European Association of Paint and Ink Manufacturers (CEPE), and other organisations, e.g., German Berufsgenossenschaft of Printers, have taken lots of actions (Table 11.1). The guidelines published will support...