Welders flash

[The Ring-In]

off the net:

Arc Eye and Other Physical Hazards

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is generated by the electric arc in the welding process. Skin exposure to UV can result in severe burns, in many cases without prior warning. UV radiation can also damage the lens of the eye. Many arc welders are aware of the condition known as "arc-eye," a sensation of sand in the eyes. This condition is caused by excessive eye exposure to UV. Ultraviolet rays also increase the skin effects of some industrial chemicals (coal tar and cresol compounds, for example).
INFRARED RADIATION
Exposure to infrared radiation (IR), produced by the electric arc and other flame cutting equipment may heat the skin surface and the tissues immediately below the surface. Except for this effect, which can progress to thermal burns in some situations, infrared radiation is not dangerous to welders. Most welders protect themselves from IR (and UV) with a welder's helmet (or glasses) and protective clothing.
INTENSE VISIBLE LIGHT
Exposure of the human eye to intense visible light can produce adaptation, pupillary reflex, and shading of the eyes. Such actions are protective mechanisms to prevent excessive light from being focused on the retina. In the arc welding process, eye exposure to intense visible light is prevented for the most part by the welder's helmet. However, some individuals have
sustained retinal damage due to careless "viewing" of the arc. At no time should the arc be observed without eye protection
Welding rod fumes contain manganese a deadly neurotoxin that inhibits the brain’s ability to regulate physical motion. Men and women exposed to these manganese fumes develop Parkinsonian symptoms at the age of 46 as opposed to 66 and suffer for the rest of their life. Manganism is an induced form of Parkinson’s Disease. If you or a loved one has been injured due to welding rod fumes then please fill out the form below and obtain the representation that you deserve.

[Kamikuza]

Yeah, you can see faint stars, galaxies etc better if you don't look directly at them ... more light getting onto the retina or something.

If 'arc eye' is anything like that first day I went to the tanning salon and did 45 minutes straight ... then I can sympathize young, stupid, only place to shag the girlfriend cos we didn't have a car between us

[mike cameron]

Originally Posted by Steve TLS

I remember when Dad bought me my 1st stick welder when I was a bout 14 and I wasn't going to wait until the weekend for him to teach me how to weld and went out to teach myself.

That PITA helmet made it too hard for me to know where the end of my stick was so I ditched it. (I was having a hard enough time getting the slag to hold the stuff together, and it was a stronger bond than my welds were )

I woke Mum and Dad up at about 2:00am and told them I was going blind and it felt like I had sand in my eyes, but the lights were too bright in the bathroom for me to check. The old man was very sympathetic. "You've been playing with that welder without the shield haven't you? Go back to bed, you'll be ok tomorrow." And he went back to sleep. Wish I could have too.

this is exactly how it happened to me. Wouldnt wish it on anyone.

[tillerdog]

sorry about yer luck,man, that is painful shit !! last time i had it i had to wait two days to get back to work as i only had contacts ( blind as a fuggin bat ),needless to say my foreman told me to get some good glasses for back-up !

[IOWNATL1000S]

lol,,, arc eye REALLY sucks,,,,, only had it once,,, that was enough,, i had all the gear on, and still got it from the reflected light off the white walls in the workshop from the guy welding behind me.

i built a frame and put a fireproof curtain up between us from then on,, so the light couldnt even get to my side.

Still keep burning holes in my arms though when all the hot crap lands on them.

Oh yes and i once melted a hole through my left foot when a large piece of molten steel burnt a hole in my trousers and went into my boot,, plasma cutting through the front of a trailer.

[Rich]

I've never had arc eye, but having done a lot of welding you start to get blase about it using an auto helmet, however if you look down past the area covered by the mask you realise how bright that light is, it is WHITE !

That is seriously dangerous UV . . .

[tillerdog]

i dint know you had welding machines in england
i thought all yous did was torch brass metal over dare

[Rich]

Actually we don't have electricity yet

This was a pedal fired welder

[IOWNATL1000S]

sorry yes,,, i didnt explain proper like....

i hurted my eyes whens i was rubbin them sticks togeva,, and they made big lite they did.