#0024 Comprehensive analysis of hazard of ultraviolet radiation emitted during arc welding of cast iron
Assessing the Degrees of Ultraviolet Radiation During Cast Iron Arc Welding
Light emitted during arc welding is composed of strong ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and can prove dangerous to welders who are exposed to it. This harmful radiation can cause a variety of conditions including keratoconjunctivitis, erythema, cataract, and even skin cancer. However, the extent of the hazard can vary with the types of welding process and conditions. Therefore, identifying the levels of UVR under different welding conditions is crucial.
To this end, we conducted a quantitative health hazard assessment of UVR emitted during arc welding of cast iron (one of the most common types of welding), in accordance with the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Our main aim was to identify the degree of ultraviolet radiation in welding processes that involved different materials, namely gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
Our study revealed that the allowable exposure to UVR during striking was a mere 1.4-1.67 seconds and that the allowable distance was only 5 m. Our findings also revealed the different characteristics of UVR emissions during arc welding. For example, we showed that UVR emissions were hazardous at higher welding currents. Moreover, we found that the magnitude of hazard was the highest in GMAW, followed by SMAW and then GTAW. In addition, the components in the filler material were seen to affect the hazards caused by UVR, with the highest being for iron.
Thus, it is crucial that protective measures such as the appropriate usage of face shields with filter plates and good visibility as well as eye protectors should be made compulsory during the entire welding process. Auto-darkening helmets or welding curtain partitions can also help prevent exposure to UVR.
To conclude, our study has led to an increased understanding of the process of UVR irradiance during arc welding, which will hopefully lead to effective changes to avoid the hazardous impact of UVR and ensure better safety measures for welders.
Link to the original journal article:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1348-9585.12091
Title of the paper:
Comprehensive analysis of hazard of ultraviolet radiation emitted during arc welding of cast iron
Authors:
Jyunya Takahashi, Hitoshi Nakashima, Nobuyuki Fujii, Tsutomu Okuno
