Shade welding refers to the use of specially designed filters, known as welding shades, to protect your eyes from the harmful radiation produced during welding. These shades are crucial safety equipment for welders.
Understanding Welding Shades
- Purpose: Welding shades are designed to significantly reduce the amount of visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and infrared (IR) radiation that reaches the welder's eyes. These radiations are extremely harmful and can cause severe eye damage, including arc eye (photokeratitis) and cataracts.
- Shade Number: The shade number indicates the level of protection provided. Higher numbers offer greater protection by blocking more light and radiation. The appropriate shade number depends on the welding process and the amperage used.
- Scale: Welding shades are classified on a sliding scale. This scale helps welders choose the proper shade number to reduce the risk of eye damage.
Why is Shade Welding Important?
Without proper eye protection, welders are at serious risk of:
- Arc Eye (Photokeratitis): A painful condition similar to sunburn of the cornea. Symptoms include pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens, leading to impaired vision. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of cataracts.
- Retinal Burns: Damage to the retina, which can cause permanent vision loss.
Choosing the Right Shade Number
Selecting the correct shade number is essential for both safety and visibility. Too light, and your eyes are at risk. Too dark, and you can't see the weld properly, leading to poor weld quality and potential safety hazards. Guidelines from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) provide recommendations for shade numbers based on welding process and amperage.
Examples:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Typically requires shade numbers between 7 and 13, depending on the electrode size and amperage.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Often uses shade numbers between 10 and 12.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): Similar to GMAW, with shade numbers generally between 10 and 12.
In summary, shade welding is the act of using appropriate welding shades, which are essential eye protection devices that filter harmful radiation produced during welding, safeguarding welders from potential eye injuries and long-term vision problems.
