Preventing Injuries When Welding

Eye injuries account for one-quarter of all welding injuries, making them by far the most common injury for welders. Those most at risk for welding-related eye injuries are workers in industries that produce industrial and commercial machinery, computer equipment, and fabricated metal products.

The best way to control eye injuries is also the most simple: proper selection and use of eye protection. Helmets alone do not offer enough protection. Welders should wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields that comply with ANSI Z87.1 under welding helmets and always wear goggles or other suitable eye protection when gas welding or oxygen cutting. Goggles provide better protection than safety glasses from impact, dust, and radiation hazards.

Unfortunately, workers don't always wear goggles or safety glasses because of low perception of risk, poorly maintained lenses, discomfort, having to wear prescription lenses underneath, and vanity. It is important to stress to workers that welding-related eye injuries come from a number of sources, including:

Mechanical damage from being struck by flying particles and chipped slag

Radiation and photochemical burns from ultraviolet radiation (UVR), infrared radiation, and intense blue light

Irritation and chemical burns from fumes and chemicals

To help in reducing eye injuries, you should educate workers about all of the dangers they face and should implement an eye protection plan that outlines proper welding behaviour.

Looking for welding safety goggles or glasses? L&A Safety  has a wide range of PPE. Visit them in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson or take a look at the website today!