UV/IR Radiation & Eye Protection
Why a single glance into the hurts — and how to protect yourself properly
AI generated The is one of the most intense radiation sources in the workshop: UV, infrared, and glaring light all at once. An unprotected glance leads to painful arc eye, and the skin burns like sunburn. Proper protection is a must — for you and for everyone nearby.
The is not a normal light source — it's a miniature sun right in front of your face. It simultaneously emits ultraviolet radiation (UV), infrared radiation (IR), and intense visible light. And all three cause damage if you look unprotected.
UV radiation is the most feared part. A brief, unprotected glance is enough for arc eye (photokeratitis): a painful "sunburn" on the cornea that often only sets in hours later — burning, tearing eyes, the feeling of sand in the eyes, light sensitivity. It's extremely uncomfortable, usually heals after a day or two, but can leave permanent damage with repeated exposure.
On the skin, the same acts like sunburn: the notorious "welder's face" — the red, peeling skin on the face, neck, and forearms when skin is left exposed during .
IR radiation is the heat component. It doesn't burn visibly right away, but over time it can damage the lens and retina ("glassblower's cataract").
Protection therefore has two fronts:
For the eyes — the or helmet with the appropriate shade number. The shade (DIN EN 169) depends on the amperage: the more current, the darker the lens. Too light = arc eye, too dark = you can't see the pool and weld poorly. Auto-darkening helmets darken automatically at the moment of ignition — convenient, but the shade must still be right.
For the skin — long, close-fitting protective clothing, gloves, and a helmet that also covers the face and neck. The reflection of radiation is not to be underestimated: light walls and metal surfaces reflect UV radiation back, so the helmet alone doesn't protect exposed skin.
For bystanders: The is not decoration. Anyone who looks into someone else's without protection gets arc eye just the same — often without noticing, because the pain comes later. Welding work must be shielded.