standard clear safety glasses block >99.9% of uv radiation. I work at a manufacturing plant, and my office is in the workshop. It helps you to understand the risks that must be avoided and provides knowledge of how to carry out your welding activities safely. Your cornea should repair in one to two days. “I Accidentally Looked At A Welding Arc” If you have looked at a welding arc without wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you will likely be suffering some, or all, of the following symptoms: Mild pressure or intense pain in the eyes. The subreddit for welders, machinists and all other enthusiasts of joining two things together. Welding Health and Safety Training Course. Additionally, long term exposure can sometimes result in cataracts, leading to loss of vision. Stick welding can be used for manufacturing, construction and repairs. You said it yourself, "the light emitted from the TV is actually only as bright as the TV itself can display", and that's exactly the case. Arc-eye, also known as welder’s flash, is an inflammation of the cornea and is a result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation released by a welding arc. SO FOR GOD'S SAKE DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE ARC SPIDERS IF YOU VALUE YOUR SANITY! So my dumbass self at work today walked up to a mechanic that was doing some welding (didn't realize he was welding cause he was around some pipe and didn't have his welding mask when I saw him from a distance). Either that or in about six hours, you'll feel am itching in the back of your eyes. So my dumbass self at work today walked up to a mechanic that was doing some welding (didn't realize he was welding cause he was around some pipe and didn't have his welding mask when I saw him from a distance). If that's the case, it means that the intense UV from the weld has caused what we call "arc spiders." ... More posts from the Welding community. Nah, you'll be fine. As said, you'll be fine. Radiation intensity is strongly dependent on the distance from a welder’s arc. If you get arc eye as we call it try putting a warm face cloth on you eyes if it gets bad. You should seek medical advice if you are experiencing symptoms. Application: Stick welding is the most basic of all welding types, and is easy to master in a home welding situation. You have to be fairly close and look directly at the arc to be affected.I cant exactly remember what but think its about 15 feet away where you can look without harm. A tanning salon sunlamp, halogen lamp or photographer’s flood lamp. I was just wondering if i should go see a doctor or something or if it's usually not a big deal. However, my right eye is still a bit blurry even though it's been a couple hours. Radiation intensity and duration of exposure can both affect the likelihood of an injury. After a thorough risk assessment has been undertaken by a competent person, adequate PPE must be worn for all hazards that might be encountered at work. Maybe 20-25 feet in front of my closed office is the welding table. $ A review of the most important points of the program: — Welding is an essential process in many industries, and can be dangerous. Take a look at our PPE Training. Arc Flash: When possible, shield arc-welding operations so no one may accidentally look directly at the arc or have it shine or reflect into his or her eyes. If catching a glimpse of an arc was a serious issue, I would've gone blind before I finished my first year of welding class. What is Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Dust and Why is it Dangerous? Twenty-four to forty-eight hours after treatment begins, you will need to be reviewed by your doctor to ensure that your eyes are healing and that no infection has arisen. Posted by 1 day ago. You may, therefore, be unaware that you are suffering from arc-eye for several hours after exposure. Abnormal sensitivity to light or being unable to look at a light source. Eventually I went to see an Optometrist and they said everything was good with my eyes no cuts or abrasions. As a result, personnel must be subject to adequate protection if they’re closer than 10 metres from an arc flash. In serious cases, this can result in varying degrees of vision loss. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Hopefully, that won't happen as much now due to increasing safety consciousness. That is to say if you catch welding happening in the corner 10 feet away from you, I wouldn't recommend staring but a few seconds of exposure will do nothing. Therefore, adequate eye PPE is important in ensuring that you are protected from arc flash. Is it dangerous to accidentally look at the welding sparks from a short distance (behind glass window)? You do not have to be the individual using the welder to experience arc-eye, just being in the vicinity of an in-use welder can be enough. Reddening of the eye and surrounding membranes. You must wear appropriate PPE every time you carry out any welding activities; even if you are only carrying out a quick task.