Semitransparent curtains for control of optical radiation hazards

Abstract

The purposes and functions of semitransparent eye protective curtains are analyzed. Based upon this analysis, functional requirements are developed, and design requirements are specified for optimum curtains to be used with open arc welding and arc cutting processes. Such curtains also protect against other high intensity broad-spectral-band sources such as compact arc lamps. The requirements for filtering our hazardous UV radiation and blue light must be balanced against the need for transparency in the visible spectrum and the need for reduced glare. Infrared attenuation is shown to be of very little importance.

Evaluation of employees' exposures to welding fumes and powder paint dust during metal furniture manufacturing.

“…They also maximize the welder's visibility of work while allowing supervisors and coworkers to observe employees in the event of an accident or other medical emergency. An orange curtain is ideal for removing ultraviolet and blue light while maximizing visibility [Sliney et al 1981[Sliney et al , 1982. Information on the performance of welding curtains is provided in Appendix B.…”

“…The main eye hazards associated with welding arcs are ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation, which together are known as optical radiation [Sliney et al 1982]. Optical radiation is responsible for an inflammatory response of the cornea and conjunctiva following prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation without proper eye protection.…”

“…Optical radiation is responsible for an inflammatory response of the cornea and conjunctiva following prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation without proper eye protection. This condition, which may affect welders or bystanders, is generally referred to as 'welder's flash" or "arc eye" [Sliney et al 1982]. Welding curtains are used to protect bystanders from the optical radiation produced during welding.…”

“…Visible light can cause photochemical injury to the retina. Because this effect is most pronounced between 400 and 500 nanometers, it is termed blue light [Sliney et al 1982]. The ideal welding curtain is transparent enough to allow viewing of the work area, filters out hazardous ultraviolet radiation and blue light, increases ambient illumination, and reduces glare [Sliney et al 1981].…”

“…The ideal welding curtain is transparent enough to allow viewing of the work area, filters out hazardous ultraviolet radiation and blue light, increases ambient illumination, and reduces glare [Sliney et al 1981]. An orange curtain would maximize visibility while minimizing the blue light hazard [Sliney et al 1982].…”