Most of the welders are unaware of the health risks associated with welding.This fact sheet also provides a detailed list of the shade recommendations by welding type, so it’s a useful resource to keep on hand when determining the appropriate shade level when welding.Make your mind clear which one is right for you! Then, go to a lighter shade, which gives a sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum.” “ Start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone.
If unsure of the shade level needed for a particular task, use this rule of thumb provided by OSHA on its Eye Protection against Radiant Energy during Welding and Cutting in Shipyard Employment Fact Sheet.
In these situations, welding safety glasses such as the Pyramex Onix Plus Bifocal Safety Glasses with Clear Anti-Fog Lens or the Shade 5 Welding Flip Lenses or the Uvex Horizon Safety Glasses with Shade 3 Flip Up Lenses might be the best option. When moving from one location or task to another, many workers need the ease of flipping from one lens type to another to ensure compliance with safety standards.
For example, if safety glasses such as the Jackson Hellraiser Safety Glasses with Shade 3 lenses are worn under the Jackson Full Face Shield with Shield 5 Welding Lens, the level of protection is a Shade 8.Īn additional consideration when choosing a lens shade involves the need for versatility. When doing so, the shade numbers for both pieces of eyewear are added together to obtain the level of shade protection being worn. Some workers prefer to combine eyewear to reach the necessary shade. Elvex Go-Specs Safety Glasses with IR2 Anti-Fog Lens.Crews Triwear Safety Glasses with Onyx Frame and Shade 3 Lens.Bolle Override Safety Glasses with Black Temples and IR Shade 5 Anti-Scratch Lens.United Brand Welding Goggle with 50mm Cup Shade 5 Welding LensesĮxamples of Welding safety glasses primarily used for torch soldering, brazing and cutting include:.Jackson WS-80 Cutting Goggles with Shade 5 Welding Lenses.Pyramex V2 Goggles with Shade 5 Welding Lenses.Examples of Welding goggles designed for gas welding and oxygen cutting applications include: Lower shades are used for tasks like torch brazing and torch soldering. For gas welding and oxygen cutting operations, a Shade 3 up to a Shade 8 is required depending on plate thickness.
For example, shielded metal arc welding requires at least a Shade 7 and up to a Shade 14 depending on the electrode size and arc current. Shades come numbered as high as 14, and the shade necessary depends on the specific task being performed. The higher the number, the darker the filter and the less light radiation allowed through. The shade number tells how much light radiation is allowed to pass through the lens and into the eyes. This radiant energy, also known as light radiation, can severely and permanently injure a worker’s eyes.Įye protection for welders must have filtered lenses with a shade number that provides the necessary protection for the job being performed. Wearing the correct lens shade when welding is essential because doing so protects eyes against photokeratitis, a painful condition somewhat like a sunburn to the cornea, caused by electromagnetic energy given off by an arc or flame. Within the personal protective wear available in head/eye protection for welders, choosing the appropriate lens shade is a crucial consideration. Welding equipment for eye and face safety includes welding helmets, goggles, and leather gear that help protect welders from radiation, hot slag and sparks, intense light, irritation, and chemical burns. But likely the most essential piece of safety equipment for a welder is their eye and face protection. Making sure your protective wear holds up to the necessary safety standards is a critical component in addition to employing proper safety procedures.Įssential safety equipment for welders includes respirators to protect against fumes and oxides and fire/flame resistant clothing and aprons to protect against heat and burns. Earmuffs protect against noise and stray sparks, and boots and gloves protect against electric shock, heat, and burns. Welding is a serious task and should not be taken lightly, especially regarding safety standards.