The welding arc produces intense ultraviolet radiation that causes a painful condition known as arc eye or photokeratitis. Symptoms include severe eye pain, watering, swelling, and temporary vision loss, typically appearing several hours after exposure. Even brief unprotected exposure to the arc, or reflected UV from nearby surfaces, can cause injury. Welding screens must be used to protect all nearby workers, and the correct lens shade must be selected for the welding process and amperage being used.
Key Hazards
Arc eye causing severe pain and temporary vision loss hours after unprotected exposure
UV skin burns similar to severe sunburn on exposed face, neck, and arm areas
Reflected UV radiation from metal surfaces injuring workers not directly facing the arc
Incorrect lens shade providing insufficient protection for the welding process used
Control Measures
Select the correct lens shade for the welding process and amperage from the manufacturer's guide.
Wear a welding helmet with side shields that covers the entire face and neck during all arc welding.
Erect welding screens around the full perimeter of the work area to protect nearby workers.
Never look at a welding arc with the naked eye, even briefly, from any distance.
Wear long sleeves and a high collar to protect neck and arm skin from UV radiation burns.
Position welding screens to block reflected UV from nearby metal, glass, and polished surfaces.
Replace cracked, scratched, or damaged welding lenses immediately as they reduce UV filtration.
Brief all workers in the vicinity of welding operations on the UV hazard and screen positioning.
Apply UV-blocking sunscreen to any exposed skin areas when working near sustained welding operations.
Remember
Arc eye symptoms appear several hours after exposure — by the time you feel pain the damage is done.
Even a brief glance at a welding arc without protection can cause painful corneal burns.
The correct lens shade must match the welding process and amperage — too light offers no protection.
Reflected UV from metal surfaces can cause arc eye to workers who are not directly facing the arc.
Welding screens must surround the full work area and be positioned to block both direct and reflected UV.
Replace damaged or scratched lenses immediately because defects reduce ultraviolet filtration.
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · PPE at Work Regulations 2022 · BS EN 169 (Filters for Welding) · BS EN 1598 (Welding Screens)