SCREENFLEX® eye protection

The electromagnetic spectrum

During welding processes, metal smelting requires a large concentration of energy which a part is dissipated as radiations. They are characterized by their wavelength which is called the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic spectrum of the welding arc:

The welding arc produces mainly the following three types of radiation:

• Ultraviolet (UVB) and 280-315 nm (UVA) 315 to 400 nm
• Visible: 400 to 770 nm
• Infrared (IR) 770 to 1000 nm

Effects on the eyes

The main effect on the eyes is called the arc flash or "welder's flash", which is a photochemical damage of the cornea (photokeratitis) due to UV and to the blue portion of visible light (400-500 nm). This type of damage may also reach the conjunctiva of the eye (white of the eye).

The radiation of the visible and IR part of the spectrum causes headaches, glare and when long exposed, cataract.

Standard EN1598 recommends an almost complete protection in the UV wavelengths (spectral transmission <0.002%) between 210 and 330 nm and a very strong one (spectral transmittance of <3%) for radiation from 313 to 400 nm. For radiation of longer wavelength, it establishes a G risk factor.

SCREENFLEX^® Protection
The graph below illustrates the SCREENFLEX^® protection against the radiations of the welding arc.