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Ultraviolet radiation emitted by CO(2) arc welding
1Division of Work Environment Evaluation, National Institute of Industrial Health, 21-1, Nagao 6-chome, Tama-ku, Kawasaki 214-8585, Japan.
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|October 5, 2001
Summary
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from CO(2) arc welding poses significant eye and skin hazards. Measured UVR levels indicate that daily safe exposure times are as short as 4-100 seconds, highlighting the need for protective measures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Radiation Physics
- Welding Technology
Background:
- Arc welding processes emit high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
- Workplace exposure to UVR can cause acute injuries like photokeratoconjunctivitis.
- Understanding UVR emission levels is crucial for hazard assessment and protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally measure the ACGIH effective irradiance for UVR from CO(2) arc welding.
- To evaluate the potential UVR hazards associated with CO(2) arc welding operations.
- To provide data for implementing effective protective measures in welding environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a welding robot for reproducible CO(2) arc welding operations.
- Experimentally measured ACGIH effective irradiance for UVR at a distance of 1 meter from the arc.
- Analyzed the relationship between UVR irradiance, distance, emission direction, and welding current.
Main Results:
- Effective irradiance at 1m ranged from 0.28-7.85 W/m² (28-785 µW/cm²).
- Permissible daily exposure times were calculated to be only 4-100 seconds.
- UVR irradiance showed an inverse square relationship with distance, peaked at 50-60° from the plate, and increased with welding current.
Conclusions:
- CO(2) arc welding UVR is hazardous to the eyes and skin.
- The measured irradiance levels necessitate strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Further research into directional emission patterns and current dependency can refine risk assessments.