Measurement of ultraviolet radiation emitted from welding arcs

It is well known that exposure to UV radiation can result in short- and long-term injury to the eyes and skin. Exposure to UV radiation is generally associated with many production processes involving either the use of UV or the emission of unwanted UV as a by-product. Welding arc machines are widespread sources of intense UV, as well as visible and infrared radiation. To evaluate the hazard associated with UV exposure during welding processes, the spectral irradiance must be measured and weighted in terms of biological effectiveness. Standardization of routine field measurement procedures is difficult because the emission depends on time dependent parameters. This paper presents a procedure suitable for the spectral irradiance measurement of welding arcs in the 250-400 nm range as well as other unstable sources.