Welding is a dangerous activity but thanks to modern welding gear, we can minimise the risks to a large extent. However, few people think about eye protection when welding. Does the latest welding gear really guard our eyes against stray sparks and extreme temperatures? Have you considered how the eyes and face can be vulnerable to ultraviolet and infrared radiation during welding?
For welders, safety demands hi-tech protective equipment. This is the same for other professionals working with high-power tools. For welding, this involves headgear that protects the face and eyes. It is strong enough to block out both bright sparks and harmful UV and IR radiation.
Modern welding gear is designed to be durable whilst providing maximum protection for welders’ eyes and faces. The rising popularity of automated ‘smart welding’ systems has experts questioning whether these sleek pieces of equipment can really offer perfect protection compared to traditional approaches. In this article, we will delve into how modern welding gear works so that you can determine if it provides 100% eye protection for operators.
What is welding gear?
Welding gear is a critical piece of safety equipment for welders. It includes a welding helmet covering the head and faces to protect the eyes from UV radiation and sparks, as well as clothing that protects the body from heat and burns. Welding gloves are also worn to protect hands from heat, sparks and metal splatter while welding rods are used to create an electrical arc that joins two pieces of metal together.
Welding is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including the joining together of alloy steels, stainless steel, steel plates and reactive metals. Welders may also use oxy fuel welding to join pieces of metal or stick welding to create an arc between two pieces. Automated welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) and plasma arc welding are also highly popular due to their precision and speed. Unfortunately, all welding processes can produce hazards that require infrared and UV protection for welders’ eyes and faces.
What protective benefits does welding gear provide?
- Protection
The primary benefit of welding gear is to provide protection for the welder. Welding helmets, safety glasses, and welding gloves can all help protect welders from intense UV radiation and sparks as well as extreme temperatures.
Welding helmets, which cover the head and face, are designed to filter out harmful UV rays while allowing only enough light for visibility. Safety glasses not only protect the eyes from sparks but also block out most of the bright light produced by the welding process. Gloves are made from heat-resistant materials such as leather or Kevlar and protect against burns caused by direct contact with hot metals.
- Comfort
Welding gear also helps ensure comfort for welders by providing cushioning against noise and vibration, as well as insulation against extreme temperatures. Helmets are often padded and lined with materials that provide insulation from heat and cold while also reducing the sound of grinding and welding. Safety glasses come in a variety of styles to fit different face shapes, allowing welders to work comfortably without feeling restricted by their eye protection.
- Visibility
Modern welding helmets come with specialised lenses that provide better visibility for welders. These lenses are designed to filter out UV rays and block out bright sparks, allowing welders to see clearly while still protecting their eyes from intense radiation. Some welding helmets even have adjustable tinting levels so that welders can customise their eye protection based on the intensity of the welding process they are performing.
Do all modern welding gear protect your eyes?
As long as the welding gear is used properly, modern welding helmets and safety goggles can provide welders with adequate protection from arc eye and metal fume fever. However, it is essential for welders to take other precautions such as keeping their work area clean and free of debris; using proper ventilation while welding; and wearing long sleeves and pants to minimise exposure to sparks.
What are the risks of not wearing protective gear?
On the other hand, without the proper welding protection, welders are at risk of sustaining serious eye and skin damage due to intense ultraviolet radiation and sparks. The bright light emitted during welding can cause “arc eye,” a type of temporary vision loss that occurs when the eyes are exposed to excessive UV radiation.
In addition, welders may also suffer from “metal fume fever,” a condition caused by inhaling fumes created by heated metals like Alloy Steels and Reactive Metals. These fumes contain hazardous compounds that can irritate the respiratory system and lead to flu-like symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and chills. Also, it is possible for debris or splashes of hot metal to enter areas not shielded by welding gear while welding
Conclusion
In summary, to ensure safety and health, welders should always choose a welding helmet as their protection from eyes, intense UV radiation, sparks, and other hazards. Welders must use basic protective equipment for welding at all times in order to keep their health and safety in check. However, it is important to note that even with this equipment it is still possible to sustain damage due to UV radiation or fumes if proper safety precautions are not taken. Get in touch with Electroweld Welding & Industrial Supplies today. We can provide you assistance in choosing the right welding gear and other protective equipment to ensure your safety.
