Eye Injuries Due to Welding Without a Hood
Every day, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about 2,000 people in the United States will have a serious work-related eye injury. Many of these injuries are caused by small objects or particles flying to the eye, which can happen during welding if you don't wear the appropriate protective gear.
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Burns
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The light generated while you're welding can actually burn your eyes if you look at it. This ultraviolet, infrared and visible-spectrum or bright light radiation can cause severe pain, swelling and, in some cases, permanent damage to your eyes.
Flying Particles
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Things flying back from the object you're welding can strike your eyes, causing cuts, scratches and burns to the surface of your eyes.
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Chemical Burns
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Some of the chemicals used in welding can irritate and burn your eyes.
Prevention
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Always wear a protective hood while welding. These hoods have face shields made especially to protect your eyes from the dangerous light given off and provide some protection against flying particles and chemicals. Wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields under the face shield; this offers additional protection from things that might fly up under the shield.
Risks to Onlookers
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The bright light and radiation generated by welding can affect people up to 50 feet away. People who are in the vicinity of someone welding should use the same protection as the welder.
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References
- Photo Credit welding project image by leemarusa from Fotolia.com
