Submit a New Resource to Database Lev Good Practice Guides

HSE Guide P35 – Printing with UV-Curable Inks (Ozone)

HSE Guide P35 – Printing with UV-Curable Inks (Ozone)

This HSE COSHH Essentials guidance sheet (P35) provides practical advice on controlling exposure to hazardous substances generated during flexographic printing operations using UV-curable inks. Although UV-curable products are often perceived as lower-risk than traditional solvent-based systems, they can still present significant health hazards including skin sensitisation, dermatitis, solvent exposure, ozone generation and ultraviolet radiation.

The guidance places strong emphasis on engineering controls, particularly enclosure of UV curing units, effective local exhaust ventilation (LEV), good general ventilation and robust maintenance arrangements. It also highlights the importance of health surveillance, skin protection and operator training.

For LEV engineers and occupational hygienists, this publication provides a useful example of how engineering controls, workplace practices and health surveillance must work together to achieve adequate control under COSHH.

What This Resource Covers

This guidance explains good practice for:

  • Flexographic printing using UV-curable inks
  • Control of airborne contaminants
  • Control of skin exposure
  • UV curing unit enclosure
  • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
  • Ozone control
  • General ventilation requirements
  • PPE selection and use
  • Health surveillance for dermatitis
  • LEV maintenance and examination requirements
  • Operator training and supervision

The document forms part of HSE’s COSHH Essentials series and follows Control Approach 2 (Engineering Control).

Who Should Read This Resource?

This resource will be particularly useful for:

  • LEV engineers/Commissioners/Tester
  • Occupational hygienists
  • Printing industry managers
  • Production supervisors
  • Health and Safety professionals
  • Maintenance engineers
  • Anyone responsible for UV printing operations

It is particularly relevant where UV-curable inks, coatings or flexographic printing processes are used.

Source Document

View the HSE guidance here:

Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Document Type: COSHH Essentials Guidance Sheet

Status: Current

Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

One of the most valuable aspects of this guidance is that it challenges a common misconception within industry.

Many organisations assume that replacing traditional solvent-based inks with UV-curable products removes most occupational health concerns. Whilst UV curing technology can reduce certain solvent emissions, the process still introduces significant hazards that require careful management.

The guidance identifies several important hazards associated with UV-curable inks including:

  • Acrylate sensitisation
  • Occupational dermatitis
  • Solvent exposure
  • Ozone generation
  • Ultraviolet radiation exposure

These hazards can affect both operators and maintenance personnel if suitable controls are not implemented.

The document therefore reinforces a fundamental occupational hygiene principle:

A process should never be assumed to be low risk simply because it is marketed as a cleaner technology.

Understanding the Hazards

The HSE identifies several key exposure routes.

Skin Exposure

Many UV-curable products contain acrylates which can cause:

  • Skin irritation
  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Skin sensitisation

Once sensitisation has occurred, even very small future exposures may trigger symptoms. Prevention therefore becomes particularly important.

Inhalation Exposure

Although many UV-curable products are water-based, some may still contain solvents capable of causing adverse health effects.

Certain substances may be absorbed through:

  • The respiratory system
  • Direct skin contact

and may subsequently affect other organs including the heart, kidneys and reproductive system.

UV Radiation

The guidance also highlights the potential for:

  • Eye damage
  • Skin damage

from ultraviolet radiation generated during the curing process.

Key LEVCentral Takeaways

  • UV-curable inks are not risk-free products.
  • Acrylates can cause skin sensitisation and dermatitis.
  • UV curing units should be enclosed wherever practicable.
  • LEV should be used to control contaminants at source.
  • Ozone generation may require dedicated extraction arrangements.
  • Airflow indicators provide valuable ongoing user checks.
  • LEV systems require statutory Thorough Examination and Test.
  • Health surveillance may be necessary where skin exposure risks exist.

Thought Leadership

Many organisations focus their COSHH assessments on airborne contaminants whilst overlooking the equally significant risks associated with skin exposure.

The P35 guidance serves as an excellent reminder that effective exposure control requires a holistic approach. Local exhaust ventilation, enclosure, ozone extraction, skin protection, housekeeping and health surveillance all contribute to achieving adequate control.

For LEV professionals, the publication reinforces an increasingly important principle:

Effective control is rarely achieved by ventilation alone. The most successful exposure control strategies combine engineering controls, workplace design, management systems and worker behaviour to prevent exposure before it occurs.

Resource Categories

Submit a New Resource
Facebook LinkedIn

All material copyright 2026 LEVCentral. All Rights Reserved.

Website Built By Ecko