Arc flash is a common occurrence for those that use or work around electric arc welders. They are not fun at all, that's what anyone having experienced it will tell you.
What is a welding arc flash?
Welding arc flash is a burn of the eye ball's outer layer due to the intense ultra-violet radiation produced by electric welding arcs. Also, it can happen as a result of exposure to any electric arc, switchboard malfunctions to include. It's just the same as sunburn, but instead of your shoulders or back, it's on the eyeball. Like sunburn to other body parts, cells are killed and need replacing. The gritty feeling related to arc flashes is often because of the dead cells being shed from the eye surface (just the same as the peeling skin due to sunburn) that irritates the inside of eye lid. The eyes get puffy, red and weepy when the welder experiences a flash.
Like sunburn, there is no cure for the
Ppr pipe welding machine arc flash. The eye drops can ease your eyes but do nothing to address the underlying problem. The welder has to wait until the healing processes of the body have finished, which can take days in serious cases.
As soon as welders are aware that they have suffered a flash, they should get medical attention. Whilst most are just mild, they can be really severe and permanently damage the eye and vision. Early medical treatment can reduce some of those more serious effects.
How to avoid welding arc flash?
Protection for welders
• Use engineering controls to guard against hazards. For instance, magnetic and clip-on shields can help lower the amount of particles, sparks, slag reaching the welder's face.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary. Safety glasses or goggles alongside with helmets are needed for adequate protection.
• Wear coated safety goggles to protect the cornea from UV light.
• Always wear the welder's mask when welding. Make sure the goggles cover the eyes completely.
