Welding Flash Safety: Protecting Eyes and Skin

Flash burns are the most common type of injuries due to welding, according to the New York State Department of Transportation. Welding produces ultraviolet light, which can cause flash burns and lead to permanent damage of the eyes.

Significance

• The intensive light caused by welding flash can burn the retina of the eye and cause cataracts, even after exposure of less than one minute. A properly fitted welding helmet is required to protect the face and eyes. Protective clothing --- a flameproof jacket, apron, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and pants with straight legs that cover the shoes --- is necessary to protect the body.

Considerations

• The welding arc can reflect from surrounding materials and burn workers nearby. Anyone who works in near arc welders should also wear protective eyewear. Almost half of the injuries due to welding flash occur in people who are not welding but are standing too close without protective eyewear.

Prevention

• According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all flash welding equipment must be furnished with a hood to discourage flying flash. A fire-resistant curtain or shield is required to be set up around the machine to protect nearby workers from welding flash.