Your eyes are one of the strongest tools in your repertoire as a professional welder, but without proper precautions, it’s all too easy to end up with temporary or permanent vision damage while on the job. Welding injuries can happen on any site, large or small, which is why Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) urges all welders, professionals and hobbyists, to always wear their welding protective gear.
Welding Protective Gear Protects Your Eyes
Welder’s flash, arc eye, and flash burn are all names for the same welding injury that occurs when a burst of UV light emitted from a weld burns your eyes. It only takes a moment of exposure without welding protective gear for this type of burn to occur, and depending on the severity, you can be left without vision for minutes, hours, or longer.
Along with being painful, welder’s flash can suddenly hinder your vision, which can in turn, lead to further injury. When you’re on a job site, a single welding injury can create a sort of domino effect. Welder’s flash is especially dangerous because it leaves you vulnerable in a high-heat, high-risk environment mid-weld.
Why Gear Matters
Eye protection while welding isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. And it’s important to remember that welding protective gear isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The type and style of protective gear you wear should be directly related to the weld you’re working on. If you’re wearing goggles or glasses that aren’t equipped with the right kind of lens you can find yourself blinded at the least opportune moment.
Welder’s flash is one of many types of burns or welding injuries you can sustain on the job. Even if a welding injury seems minor at first, your body may not be able to recover if the same type of injury keeps recurring. If you’re invested in welding for the long run, proper welding protective gear is your ticket to a long life of clear vision and safe welds.
If you’re in need of welding gear, NFS can help. Welders can reach out at (651) 730-7770 or contact us for more information on our welding protective gear and other welding accessories.