No, you should not use ordinary sunglasses when welding.
While sunglasses are useful for protecting eyes from UV radiation in sunlight, they do not provide adequate protection against the intense light and radiation produced by welding. The EPA recommends using sunglasses for protection from sunlight, but emphasizes that they are not designed for the levels of radiation encountered in welding.
Why Sunglasses Are Inadequate for Welding
Here’s a detailed breakdown of why regular sunglasses are not suitable for welding:
- Insufficient Light Reduction: Welding produces extremely bright light, including intense ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Ordinary sunglasses are not designed to filter these intense wavelengths sufficiently, which can lead to eye damage.
- Lack of UV and IR Protection: Welding arcs emit high levels of UV and IR radiation, which can cause severe burns to the cornea and retina, and even cataracts over time. Standard sunglasses offer limited UV protection and typically no IR protection.
- Risk of Arc Eye: Even short-term exposure to the welding arc without proper protection can cause "arc eye," or photokeratitis, a painful condition resulting from corneal burns.
- Damage to Lenses: The heat and sparks produced during welding can damage the lenses of regular sunglasses.
Required Eye Protection for Welding
Proper eye protection for welding requires specialized equipment:
- Welding Helmets with Filter Lenses: These helmets incorporate filter lenses with specific shade numbers to reduce the intensity of the light and block harmful UV and IR radiation.
- Safety Glasses Under the Helmet: Some welders opt to wear safety glasses underneath their welding helmet for extra protection against flying debris.
- Appropriate Shade Number: The shade number of the filter lens should be chosen based on the welding process and current being used. Consulting a welding guide is essential.
Comparison Table: Sunglasses vs Welding Protection
| Feature | Ordinary Sunglasses | Welding Eye Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Light Reduction | Minimal | High |
| UV Protection | Limited | Very High |
| IR Protection | None | High |
| Spark/Heat Protection | Minimal | High |
| Primary Use | Sunlight protection | Welding and cutting operations |
In Summary
Using ordinary sunglasses while welding is not acceptable. Proper specialized equipment like welding helmets with filter lenses is essential for preventing serious eye damage. Always prioritize using the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
