WLD/Hazards/TBT-WLD-008

UV Radiation and Arc Eye Prevention

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UV Radiation and Arc Eye Prevention

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-WLD-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Welding arcs emit intense ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation that damages eyes and skin.
  • Arc eye (photokeratitis) is a painful burn to the cornea caused by UV exposure from the welding arc.
  • Symptoms include severe pain, watering eyes, gritty sensation, and sensitivity to light appearing 6-12 hours after exposure.
  • Even brief unprotected exposure to a welding arc can cause arc eye — a single flash is enough.
  • Bystanders and passers-by are also at risk; welding screens and barriers must protect everyone nearby.
  • UV radiation from welding also causes sunburn-like skin burns on exposed forearms, necks, and faces.
  • Welding helmets with the correct shade filter are essential; shade 10-13 is typical for arc welding.
  • Auto-darkening helmets must be tested before use; if the sensor fails, the welder is unprotected.
  • Reflective surfaces including metal, concrete, and water can bounce UV radiation around barriers.
  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 require employers to provide suitable eye protection.

Why?

Prevent arc eyeArc eye causes intense pain and temporary vision loss. Repeated exposure can lead to permanent corneal damage and cataracts.
Protect bystandersWorkers walking past unscreened welding operations suffer arc eye without realising it until hours later when symptoms appear.
Skin cancer riskChronic UV exposure from welding increases the risk of skin cancer on exposed areas, particularly the face and forearms.
Do Don't
  • Wear a welding helmet with the correct shade filter for the process being used.
  • Test auto-darkening helmets before each use to confirm the sensor is working.
  • Erect welding screens or curtains to protect bystanders from arc radiation.
  • Cover all exposed skin with flame-resistant clothing to prevent UV skin burns.
  • Warn nearby workers before striking an arc so they can look away.
  • Use welding curtains that block UV even if they allow visible light through.
  • Position screens to account for UV reflection from nearby metal and concrete surfaces.
  • Seek medical advice if you develop arc eye symptoms after any welding exposure.
  • Replace cracked or damaged filter lenses in helmets immediately before welding.
  • Provide safety glasses with side shields as minimum protection for grinding between welds.
  • DON'T look at a welding arc without the correct shade filter, even briefly.
  • DON'T weld without screens or curtains protecting other workers in the area.
  • DON'T use an auto-darkening helmet without testing the sensor function first.
  • DON'T leave skin exposed while welding; UV burns develop on forearms and neck.
  • DON'T assume being around a corner protects you; UV reflects off surfaces.
  • DON'T strike an arc without warning workers nearby to look away.
  • DON'T continue welding with a cracked or damaged filter lens in your helmet.
  • DON'T ignore arc eye symptoms; seek medical advice for pain or vision changes.
  • DON'T use sunglasses as a substitute for proper welding filter protection.
  • DON'T position welding screens so gaps allow UV to reach unprotected workers.

See also: Welding Safety Awareness (Comprehensive) | Welding Fume Extraction and LEV
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