16. WELDING AND FLAME CUTTING
Arc Welding
Welding radiation
A welding arc always produces invisible ultraviolet radiation (UV). The effects of radiation
(red eyes, sensitivity to light, tears and pain) appear 4 – 12 hours after one has
been exposed (e.g. arc-eye).
If the skin has not been protected, it will also get red because of radiation. Exposure to
radiant energy for long periods of time accelerates the aging process of the skin. In the
worst case it causes cancer.
The infrared radiation (thermal radiation) produced in arc welding and flame cutting
can be felt as heat.
How to choose the correct shade of filter glass:
Don’t use a filter that is too dark and causes you to work close to the welding arc.
Bright daylight and spotlights make it harder for you to see. In such a case choose a
lighter filter.
Choose the filter glass individually for each case so that it is easy and comfortable
for you to look at the molten metal and welding arc.
A standard table for choosing the filter glass shade.
Welding method
Rod welding
MIG, heavy materials
MIG, light materials
TIG, all materials
MAG (CO 2
–welding)
Plasma cutting
Current (A)
82