What precaution should technicians take before servicing units with installed UV lights?

Turning off the lights prior to opening compartments is essential for technician safety when servicing units with installed UV lights. UV lights emit ultraviolet radiation, which can cause skin and eye damage. By ensuring the lights are turned off before any maintenance is performed, technicians reduce the risk of exposure to harmful UV radiation. This precautionary measure safeguards the health of the technician while they work in confined spaces or near components where the UV lights are installed.

In contrast, while using gloves can be important for handling equipment to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination, it does not specifically address the dangers posed by UV light exposure. Disconnecting the power supply to the entire system may be too broad in scope and might not be necessary if only the UV lights are being serviced. Checking the functionality of the UV lights is important as part of regular maintenance but does not provide protection during the servicing process. Therefore, the key focus should be on turning off the lights to ensure a safe working environment.