Gilbert^® Shattercatch^TM

The Choice Shatter-Coated Lamp for Professional Flytraps

FEP COATED Osram/Sylvania® 350BL Phosphor UV Lamp

In choosing a particular type of shatter coating material, there are choices to be made between several high levels of shatter containment and their varying ability to catch flies. There are some amazing materials out there.

Gilbert(R) has selected an FEP coating is at the top of the list of lamp coating materials for allowing UV passage and appears to be immune to UV degradation effects. FEP is excellent at containing glass and is superior at attracting flies.

Professional Flytraps 
FEP coating 
Insect Attractant Lamps

Gilbert® discovered, over 30 years ago, that the best lamps for professional flytraps 
were all (Osram) Sylvania® 350 BL Phosphor Lamps.

Please note, there is a major difference between the Osram "Sylvania®" lamps made in North America that we use (versus those made in Europe*). There are actually two different manufacturing companies, Osram Sylvania® and S.L.I. Both still use the "Sylvania®" brand name, as well as, the 350BL lamp designation. They are not the same company, nor the same lamps. Our tests show the Osram Sylvania® 350BL (Made In North America) 20 and 40 watt versions to be superior fly attractant lamps. There are recent claims being made (or remade) for a supossedly "new" European Lamp that peaks at 365 nm. We prefer the North American 350BL (which peaks at 352 nm), whether it's ShatterCatch(TM) coated or not.

Gilbert Lamp Replacement Recommendations
 *** 
"Replace insect attractant lamps once each year, in the spring!" 
*** 

This Rule of Thumb originated with my father, Don Gilbert. It was derived from the knowledge that lamps do, in fact, deteriorate over time (see graphs below)*, combined with customers observations that "our traps are not working as well as they did last year", and subsequent research. He got even more specific, saying that insect attractant lamps have an average, effective life of nine and one half months.
Recommending "spring" replacement simply insures traps are operating at their best during the summer insect season. This recommendation has been copied by most everyone in the industry and is routinely quoted as some sort of absolute truth. It's time tested to satisfy the vast majority of circumstances, but it is not an unquestionable fact. 

*** 

Perhaps, attractant lamps need to be replaced more often in a hospital with specific cross-contamination problems, in facilities where intravenous solutions are manufactured, or in climates with year-round insect problems? Perhaps, they could be replaced less often in facilities where there are fewer flies to worry about or where fly control is relatively unimportant? 

*** 

If you're experimentally inclined, consider replacing half your lamps after one year. Then, compare how the new lamps perform relative to the older ones. Swap lamp positions, be as fair as possible, and let us know what you find.

I believe you will find, this (time tested) rule of thumb fits the vast majority of circumstances: 

"Replace insect attractant lamps once each year in the spring!" 

REFERENCES: 
* According to the manufacturer, the average output of our attractant lamp** (when matched with the proper ballast) will decrease from 100% to 80% in the first 100 hours (4 days), to 72% in 500 hours (20 days), to 68% in 1000 hours (41 days), and to 60% in 2000 hours (83 days). 
The deterioration continues at a decreasing rate, approximately 3% a month. 15 watt lamps will deteriorate a little faster than 20 watt lamps and 20 watt lamps a little faster than 40 watt. 
I mentioned "proper ballast" because at least one flytrap manufacturer overdrives its lamps with two ballasts, increasing its effectiveness for about a week, but significantly increasing the deterioration rate, quickly reducing effectiveness.

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Safety Information 
The following statement is reprinted from the Gilbert® Professional Flytraps Owner's Manual:

The FDA has measured ultraviolet radiation emission from a typical insect attracting device and has concluded that there is not a significant concern about acute health problems. The conclusion was based on Threshold Limit Values (TLV) of exposure as recommended by the American Conference on Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) as presented and discussed by Phillips (1983). However, since it's scientifically impossible to rule out possible long-term exposure effects, on our own accord, as a purely precautionary measure, we suggest it might be prudent for operators to position these devices so that employees are not required to work continuously in close eye level proximity, i.e. over a sink or table where an employee would be stationed within one meter continuously.

PRODUCT SAFETY DATA SHEET  PSDS NO. 1.1.4  FLUORESCENT BLACKLIGHT LAMPS

Sylvania brand Fluorescent Lamps manufactured by OSRAM SYLVANIA INC., are exempted from the requirements of the OSHA Hazard communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) because they are "articles." The following information is provided by OSRAM SYLVANIA INC. as a courtesy to its customers

THERE ARE NO KNOWN HEALTH HAZARDS FROM EXPOSURE TO LAMPS THAT ARE INTACT. If lamp is broken, the following materials may be released:

These chemicals are subject to the reporting requirements of section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and 40 CFR Part 372: 10 mg/cubic m / % silica + 2 (Respirable Dust) The TLV for a simple asphyxiant is a minimal atmospheric oxygen content of 18% by volume, at 1 atmospheric pressure.

Not applicable to intact lamp.

Flammability: Non-combustable 
Fire Extinguishing Materials: Use extinguishing agents suitable for surrounding fire. 
Special Firefighting Procedure: Use self-contained breathing apparatus to prevent inhalation of dust and/or fumes that may be generated from broken lamps during firefighting activities. 
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: When exposed to high temperature, toxic fumes may be released from broken lamps.

THERE ARE NO KNOWN HEALTH HAZARDS FROM EXPOSURE TO LAMPS THAT ARE INTACT. No adverse effects are expected from occasional exposure to broken lamps. As a matter of good practice, avoid prolonged or frequent exposure to broken lamps unless there is adequate ventilation. The major hazard from broken lamps is the possibility of sustaining glass cuts.

Mercury- Exposure to high concentrations of vapors for brief periods can cause acute symptoms such as pneumonitis, chest pains, shortness of breath, coughing, gingivitis, salivation and possibily stomatitis. Chronic exposure may cause tremors and neuropsychiatric problems. May cause redness and irritation as a result of contact with skin and/or eyes.

Lead- Ingestion and inhalation of lead dust or fumes must be avoided. Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract may occur. Excessive lead absorption is toxic and may include symptoms such as anemia, weakness, abdominal pain, and kidney disease. However, the chemical inertness and insolubility of this material is expected to reduce the potenial for systemic lead toxicity.

Silica- Exposure to crystilline silica dust may cause scarring of the lungs (Silicosis), resulting in shortness of breath and coughing.

Phosphor- Inhalation of insoluble barium compounds has been reported to cause benign pneumoconiosis with no specific smyptoms and no changes in pulmonary function. Exposure to lead compounds is known to have adverse effects on a number of organ systems. The chief effects of lead poisoning in the industrial setting are anemia, nervous system effects (psychic and neurological disorders), and kidney injury. However, the chemical inertness and insolubility of this material is expected to reduce the potential for systemic toxicity.

Argon- Inert gasses such as argon cause asphyxia by displacing the ambient oxygen. Some symptoms of asphyxia are headache and dizziness. 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES: 

Glass Cuts: Perform normal first aid procedures. Seek medical attention as required. 
Inhalation: If discomfort, irritation or symptoms of pulmonary involvement develop, remove from exposure and seek medical attention. 
Ingestion: In the unlikely event of ingestion of a large quantity of material, seek medical attention.
Contact, Skin: Thoroughly wash affected area with mild soap or detergent and water and prevent further contact. Seek medical attention if irritation occurs. 
Contact, Eye: Wash eyes, including under eyelids, immediately and with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. 

CARCINOGENIC ASSESSMENT (NTP ANNUAL REPORT, IARC MONOGRAPHS, OTHER):

Crystalline silica is a suspected carcinogen by NTP, IARC or OSHA. Crystalline silica is changed to an amorphous form of silica in the production of this product.

Stability: Stable 
Conditions to avoid: None for intact lamps. 
Incompatability (materials to avoid): None for intact lamps. 
Hazardous decomposition products (including combustion products): None for intact lamps.
Hazardous polymerization products: Will not occur.

Ventilate area where breakage occurred. Clean up with mercury vacuum cleaner or other suitable means that avoid dust and mercury vapor generation. Take usual precautions for collection of broken glass. Clean-up requires special care due to mercury droplet proliferation. Place materials in closed containers to avoid generating dust.

It is the responsibility of the waste generator to ensure proper classification of waste products. To that end, TCLP tests should be condusted on all waste products, including this one, to determine the ultimate disposition in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.

Ventilation: Use adequate general and local exhaust ventilation to maintain exposure levels below the PEL ot TLV limits. If such ventilation is unavailable, use respirators as specified below.

Respiratory Protection: Use appropriate NIOSH approved respirator if airborne dust concentrations exceed the pertinant PEL or TLV limits. All appropriate requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1910.134 should be met.

Eye Protection: OSHA specified safety glasses, goggles or face shield are recommended if lamps are being broken.

Protective Clothing: OSHA specified gloves are recommended for dealing with broken lamps.

Hygienic Practices: After handling broken lamps, wash thoroughly before eating, smoking or using toilet facilities.

Although OSRAM SYLVANIA INC. attempts to provide current and accurate information herein, it makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury of any kind which may result from, or arise out of, the use of, or reliance on the information by any person.