In any welding operation it is important that the right gear be used to avoid accidents. Many of the accidents that occur during welding is due to failure on the part of the welder to follow laid down safety precaution.
Welding goggles are designed to protect the eye from heat, flying debris and intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation that are generated from and electric arc or gas welding process.
During a weld process intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation are produced which are not visible to the human eye this lights can lead to an inflammation in the cornea and can also burn the retinas in the eye leading to temporary or even permanent blindness.
Welding safety goggles come with dark faced and sometimes colored plates which filter the harmful rays. The dark plates have to be scratch, heat and impact resistant to protect the welder eye from flying metallic particles and the heat produced from the weld.
It is very important that during a welding exercise the correct shade and design is worn. Different types of welding procedures require different goggle design, goggle feature and shade. The occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) makes it mandatory for protective eye wear to be worn. OSHA has set standards for the type of shades to be worn during a welding operation.
Welding goggles come in diverse designs and specification therefore the type of shade to be worn would depend largely on the type of welding procedure and the type and size of electrode being used for the weld.
Generally, in any weld environment there are three basic types of goggles which are used by workers. There are the eyecup type goggles which have a rigid frame that securely surrounds the eye protection it from all angles from harmful radiation and bits of metal. This type of goggle is rated #7 by OSHA and are recommended for activities like acetylene burning, cutting or welding; furnace operations and molten metals. They are particularly important in protecting the wearer from sparks, harmful rays, and molten metal; and flying particles amongst others.
The coverspec type of goggle has rigid lenses that can be worn over plain or prescription glasses. This type of goggle is used for cutting, electric arc welding, furnace operation and oxy – acetylene welding. It is rated #8 by OSHA.
Tinted coverspec goggles are rigid one piece goggles that can be worn over prescription or plain glasses and are usually used for cutting, electric arc welding and oxy-acetylene welding operations.
Many things on earth might be replaceable, but the eye in not one of those. Therefore it is your responsibility to take every possible measure in protecting your eyes by complying with safety standards and wearing protective goggles while conducting a welding operation. When purchasing welding goggles, do not compromise on safety; go for high quality goggles that will provide adequate protection for your eyes.
Sharon J. Ropp works with Bakers Safety as a public relations consultant. More information about Bakers Safety can be found at https://www.gogglespro.com/