Radiation Hazards in Welding and Cutting
The Problem
Welding, torch cutting, and brazing create intense radiation that can damage your eyes and skin without proper protection. Infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are all dangerous and can lead to burns, temporary or permanent vision loss, and long-term conditions such as cataracts or skin cancer. Today, we’ll identify these hazards and learn how to protect ourselves and others on site.
Identify the Hazards
Visible Light Radiation
- Hazard: Bright light from welding can cause temporary blind spots and long-term eye damage, including cataracts.
- Example: Looking directly at a welding arc—even briefly—can result in eye strain or vision loss.
Infrared (IR) Radiation
- Hazard: Infrared radiation is felt as heat and can cause burns to unprotected skin or eyes.
- Example: Feeling your skin burn after standing too close to a welding arc without protection.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
- Hazard: UV rays are invisible and can cause flash burns to the eyes (also known as “welder’s flash”) and sunburn-like skin injuries. Long-term exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Example: Flash burns often happen when welding without proper eye protection.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Wear the Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Clothing: Wear fire-resistant long sleeves, welding jackets, and shirts that fully cover your upper body.
- Gloves: Use heavy-duty gloves with gauntlets to protect your hands and wrists from UV burns.
- Face Shields and Hoods: Always wear a compliant welding hood or shield to protect your face and head.
Use Proper Eye Protection
- Welding Lenses: Use safety glasses, goggles, or hoods with suitable filter lenses.
- Selecting Lens Shades: Choose the correct filter lens shade for the type of welding you’re doing (refer to WorkSafe or manufacturer’s guidance).
- Quality Lenses: Ensure all lenses filter harmful UV/IR light while still allowing visibility of your work.
Protect Others Nearby
- PPE for Others: Anyone near active welding must also wear protective eyewear and clothing.
- Screens and Shields: Use welding screens or curtains to shield nearby workers from light radiation.
General Safety Practices
- Always inspect PPE before each job—replace or report damaged gear.
- Use shielding to prevent stray light radiation from reaching others.
- Ask your supervisor if you're ever unsure about the right gear or procedure.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A welder once skipped using their hood for a “quick tack weld.” The UV radiation caused severe flash burns to both eyes, resulting in extreme pain and temporary blindness, forcing them off work for several days. This could have been avoided with proper PPE—even for short welding tasks.
Employee Responsibilities
- Inspect and wear the correct PPE for every welding task.
- Check that lenses and shields are the right type, undamaged, and properly fitted.
- Ensure others are protected by using screens or providing PPE.
- Report any damaged PPE or unsafe conditions to your supervisor straight away.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide fire-resistant clothing, appropriate welding helmets, and safety eyewear.
- Train workers on the dangers of radiation exposure and how to choose the correct PPE.
- Maintain all safety gear and ensure welding areas are appropriately shielded from radiation hazards.
Discussion & Questions
- “What’s the most important step you take to protect yourself from welding radiation?”
- “Have you or a mate ever had flash burns or skin burns from welding? What happened, and how could it have been avoided?”
Encourage team members to share their experiences and clarify any safety concerns.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s all commit to always using the correct PPE and checking our gear before every job. If you see damaged PPE or unsafe practices, speak up immediately. We all have a role in maintaining a safe site.
Wrap-Up
Radiation hazards from welding are serious—but they’re also 100% preventable. By understanding the risks and using the correct protection, we can keep ourselves and our mates safe. Thanks for being alert and committed to safety.
Standards Overview
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), PCBUs must eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety. This includes:
- Providing PPE that protects against UV, IR, and visible radiation
- Ensuring correct shade lenses are used during welding activities
- Making sure workers are trained in radiation risks and proper PPE use
WorkSafe New Zealand supports these requirements through guidance on welding and cutting safety, including eye and face protection standards (AS/NZS 1337 and AS/NZS 1338).
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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