NEW Cancer Council UV Meters

UPDATE 10/07/2020

Following the sell out of the first production run of Generation 3 UV meters, Cancer Council has experienced unexpectedly high levels of interest in the UV meters. The level of interest has been such that we have had to rework our business plans and support capacity, to ensure that we can continue to offer meters in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.

After the failure of negotiations with an initial business partner, CCWA is pleased to announce that a new partner has been identified and contract negotiations are now underway. We are hopeful that production and sales will recommence in late 2020 / early 2021.

If you would like to be notified when the next model becomes available, please contact us at sunsmart@cancerwa.asn.au.

About the new model

The new unit features automatic internet connection, simplified installation and reduced operating costs.

Our aim with this design was to achieve a solution that allows you to simply mount the unit on a wall or a pole and switch it on.

Why a UV Meter?

With the high rates of skin cancer in Western Australia, SunSmart WA is always looking for innovative and engaging ways to encourage people to protect themselves from the sun.

Many people believe that solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is only significant when the weather is hot. The reality is that in Western Australia, the UV levels can be high enough to cause skin damage most of the year. UV meters provide a way to know when UV is high or low and when sun protection is needed each day.

UV meters provide an accurate reading of solar UV radiation at your location. Designed with its own UV sensor, the meter reports the UV level using the World Health Organization’s UV index; a measure of UV strength and skin damage risk.

Key features

The UV meter is an innovative educational tool; providing an accurate, real-time reading of the solar UV radiation. Some key features include:

Solar powered
Housed in a weatherproof case, made of powder coated aluminium and polycarbonate
A UV sensor detects the UV radiation level every sixty seconds and the highest reading in the last 5 minutes is displayed
Large display digits show the current UV level and the accompanying signage indicates what sun protection is required
Available in two designs; single sided (display digits on one side only) and double sided (display digits on both sides)
Once installed the meter requires very little maintenance other than a superficial clean

Each UV meter comes with a 600 x 600mm weatherproof sign.

Housed in a weatherproof case, made of powder coated aluminium and polycarbonate

Installation options

Installation is at the discretion (and imagination) of the owner and will differ depending on the type of meter, the chosen location and budget. Installation options vary and can be discussed with Cancer Council WA.

The single-sided UV meter is designed to be wall mounted on a building, mounted on the side of a pole or mounted on the top of a free standing pole.

The double-sided UV meter is designed to be mounted on the top of a free standing pole or built into a custom made “H” frame”.

Wall mounted

Pole top mounted

“H” frame

Custom “H” frame art installation

Why are UV Meters connected to the internet?

Cancer Council UV meters require internet connection. This allows Cancer Council to remotely monitor and calibrate the meters to ensure ongoing accuracy. Firmware updates can also be delivered to the meter via the net. UV meters are connected to the internet via an inbuilt modem using the mobile phone network. Meters come pre-configured with a data plan and require no customer input to connect to the net.

Singleton Primary UV Graph 2

UV Meters in schools

Schools will find these a valuable tool to support their existing sun smart policy. Meters remove any confusion about when children need to wear their hats and apply sunscreen. Data from the meters is downloadable and useful in education programs including maths, IT and science.

UV Meters in the workplace

If you have staff who work out doors, a UV meter is an ever changing reminder of the need for them to be careful in the sun. Unlike static signs which become “invisible” after a while, the UV meter retains attention because it changes throughout the day. It creates interest and conversation about the sun.