Complete Welding UV Safety Guide
Your comprehensive resource for protecting welders from harmful UV radiation in the South African workplace
Understanding UV Radiation Hazards in Welding
UV-C Radiation (100-280nm)
Most Dangerous: Produced by welding arcs
- Causes severe photokeratitis (arc eye)
- Immediate skin damage possible
- Can penetrate thin clothing
- 100% blocked by UV Cream barrier products
UV-B Radiation (280-315nm)
High Risk: Causes sunburn and long-term damage
- Delayed skin reddening (2-6 hours)
- Increases skin cancer risk
- Damages exposed skin quickly
- 99% blocked by UV Cream products
UV-A Radiation (315-400nm)
Moderate Risk: Deep skin penetration
- Causes premature skin ageing
- Contributes to skin cancer
- Less immediate damage
- 90% blocked by UV Cream products
⚠️ Critical Fact for South African Welders
South Africa's high UV index (often 10+ in summer) means outdoor welders face double exposure: direct UV from the welding arc PLUS reflected environmental UV. This makes proper UV protection absolutely essential.
Comprehensive UV Prevention Methods
The Hierarchy of Controls
Engineering Controls
- Install UV-blocking welding screens and curtains
- Use automated welding systems where possible
- Implement proper ventilation to reduce reflective surfaces
- Position work to minimise UV reflection
Administrative Controls
- Rotate workers to limit UV exposure time
- Schedule outdoor welding during low UV index periods
- Implement mandatory break periods
- Provide UV safety training programmes
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Welding Helmet: Auto-darkening with side shields
- UV Barrier Cream: Applied to all exposed skin
- Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, high collar
- Gloves: Full coverage welding gloves
🛡️ Best Practice Combination
For maximum protection, South African safety officers recommend:
- Apply UV barrier cream 15 minutes before work
- Wear appropriate welding PPE
- Use welding screens to protect nearby workers
- Reapply barrier cream every 2-3 hours
- Monitor for any signs of UV overexposure
UV Barrier Cream Application Guide
Preparation
Clean and dry all exposed skin areas thoroughly. Remove any existing lotions, oils, or contaminants that might prevent proper adhesion.
Application Amount
Use approximately 2mg/cm² of skin. For the average adult face and neck, this equals about a 10-cent coin size amount.
Don't forget these often-missed areas:
- Behind the ears
- Side of neck
- Back of hands
- Wrists and forearms
- Any gaps in protective clothing
Proper Coverage
Apply evenly using circular motions. Ensure complete coverage with no missed spots. The cream should form a visible protective layer.
Reapplication Schedule
- Normal conditions: Every 3-4 hours
- Heavy sweating: Every 2 hours
- After washing: Immediately reapply
- High UV days (10+): Every 2 hours
💡 Application Calculator
Not sure how much to use? Try our UV Exposure Calculator to determine the right amount and frequency for your specific work conditions.
First Aid for Arc Eye (Photokeratitis)
🚨 Immediate Actions for Arc Eye
Remove from UV Source
Immediately stop welding and move to a dark room. Remove contact lenses if worn.
Cool Compress
Apply a cool, damp cloth over closed eyes. Do not rub eyes as this can worsen damage.
Pain Relief
Take over-the-counter pain medication (paracetamol or ibuprofen) as directed.
Seek Medical Attention
Visit a doctor or emergency room, especially if pain is severe or vision is affected.
Recognising Arc Eye Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear 3-12 hours after exposure:
Usually no symptoms (latent period)
Mild discomfort, feeling of grit in eyes
Severe pain, tearing, light sensitivity, eyelid spasms
Peak symptoms, temporary vision changes possible
Gradual improvement with proper treatment
⚠️ When to Call Emergency Services
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Vision loss or significant vision changes
- Signs of infection (pus, worsening redness)
- Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
- Chemical exposure along with UV exposure
South African Safety Compliance
🏛️ Legal Requirements
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993):
- Employers must provide adequate UV protection
- Risk assessments must include UV exposure
- Workers must be trained on UV hazards
- PPE must meet SANS standards
📋 Documentation Required
- UV exposure risk assessment
- PPE issue register
- Training attendance records
- Incident reports for UV injuries
- Medical surveillance records
🎯 Best Practice Standards
- Follow SANS 1470 welding safety guidelines
- Implement ISO 45001 safety management
- Regular UV meter readings in work areas
- Annual eye examinations for welders