Ultraviolet and infrared rays, as well as certain welding fumes, can have a harmful effect on the eyes and skin unless the welding operator is adequately protected from them. From an early age people learn that looking directly at the sun’s rays is harmful to the eyes. The radiation from welding heat sources is injurious to the eyes for the same reason. The invisible rays which can harm the eyes are the same from both
sources.
In welding and cutting operations, the radiation from the arc or from intensely heated solids or gases may be (1) invisible ultraviolet rays, (2) visible light rays, and (3) invisible infrared rays.
Strong ultraviolet rays are capable of causing severe inflammation similar to sunburn on the eyes and surrounding membranes. Extremely intense visible light
rays may cause eye strain and possibly temporary blindness. Infrared rays are not absorbed, but penetrate the eye. They may cause cumulative effects which might lead to cataracts, retina injuries, as well as to opacity of the cornea and the aqueous chamber.
The intensity of the ultraviolet and the infrared radiation is determined by the temperature of the welding source, consequently the intensity is greater from an arc than from a gas flame. Surroundings also affect the intensity, depending on how much of the radiation is absorbed or reflected.
Despite the many potential hazards that exist in the welding environment which might be harmful to the eyes, strictly following recommended safety precautions will prevent visual deterioration or other ocular damage.
The American Welding Society has developed specifications for protective lenses recommended for various welding and cutting operations.
In addition to welding personnel, other workers in the area may be indirectly or temporarily exposed to harmful radiant energy and must also be protected. These persons can be protected by surrounding the welding operation with screens or booths. A booth
provides the best protection from the arc rays. When building a booth for arc welding, the interior walls and surfaces should be covered with paint which will absorb the dangerous arc rays.
Automatic arc welding operations are frequently enclosed in a cabinet equipped with a colored glass protective window, through which the operator may watch the progress of the welding. This enclosure makes it unnecessary for the welder to wear a helmet, and adequately protects all workers in the vicinity from the rays of the arc.
Flashed Eyes
Despite all precautions, flashed eyes are sometimes experienced, more often among persons working in the vicinity than those engaged in the actual welding.
The symptoms of flashed eyes are a pronounced irritation under the eyelids, a feeling as if there were “sand in the eye.” These symptoms usually develop several hours after exposure, which means that they frequently develop after the worker has left for the
day, sometimes occurring late at night in places where a doctor is not readily available. To prevent incidents of flashed eyes, it is extremely important that co-workers and all visitors are either completely screened from the welding operation, or provided with the correct protective goggles.
Standards for welding helmets, hand shields, face shields, goggles, and spectacles are given in ANSI 287.1, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. New York: American National Standards Institute (latest edition).