what is the minimum recommended filter shade on a welding helmet to protect your eyes

Full Answer

What lens shade level do I need for my welding helmet?

For this reason, you need a shade level that can handle such intensity. The electrode size is another factor in determining the correct lens shade level for your welding helmet. The larger the diameter is, the more heat and radiation is produced.

Can the filter lens of welding helmet be reduced?

The filter lens which comes along with the welding helmet can be reduced. But the combined value of the lens shade number and helmet should be equal to the value shown in the tables below. There are different charts for different kind of welding jobs, hereby we are mentioning the same:

Does a variable shade welding helmet protect against UVB?

That said, keep in mind that every passive or variable shade helmet has 100% protection against full spectrum UVR wavelengths ( UVA , UVB, and UVC. Of which UVB is most harmful) in the “ light state ,” which is under lens shade number of 2 to 5 depending on the quality of your welding hood.

What are the different shades of welding helmet?

There are different charts for different kind of welding jobs, hereby we are mentioning the same: The welding helmets which come with single shade that is pre defined are normally with #10, whereas there are variable shade helmets which can be darkened by a number of shades.

What is the UV protection of welding arcs?

Why is it important to have a fully adjustable helmet?

Can a battery operated helmet be flashed?

Can you weld without a helmet?

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What is the minimum recommended filter shade on a welding helmet to protect your eyes when welding with oxy acetylene?

3-8Eye Protection Goes Beyond the Helmet 1 is sufficient. However, shields or goggles with shade ratings of 3-8 should be worn for gas welding.

What shade goggles level is recommended for welding?

between 9 to 13What shade is safe for welding? Many experts or professionals recommend a shade number between 9 to 13 as a good and safe number. With the increase of Amperage, you should also have to increase the shade of the welding lens, the higher the number the darker the shade will be.

What is the proper shade range for a welding helmet?

between shade #8 to #13Typical weld shade ranges are between shade #8 to #13. When the helmet is in the down position, you will see through a light lens allowing for clear visibility and evaluation of the weld piece and the surrounding area.

Can you weld on Shade 9?

This Shade # 9 high quality arc welding lens offers the finest, most complete eye protection available. It provides necessary protection against ultra violet rays for all types of arc welding.

What does Shade 5 IR mean?

Shade levels 2, 3, and 5 are designed for light to medium soldering, brazing, cutting or welding. These lenses do not provide adequate protection for an arc welder (requires shield with shade 8+), but do offer good protection from nearby flash or exposure.

What does the shade numbers mean?

A shade number indicates the intensity of light radiation that is allowed to pass through a filter lens to one's eyes. Therefore, the higher the shade number, the darker the filter and the less light radiation that will pass through the lens.

Can you weld with shade 5 glasses?

Can You Weld With Shade 5 Glasses? Welding with shade 5 is usually sufficient for light work. If your activities involve arcs such as MIG welding, shade number 5 is unsuitable. The shade is not dark enough to protect your eyes from the IR of the arc.

What should welders use to protect their eyes?

Protect your eyes from welding light by wearing a welder's helmet fitted with a filter shade that is suitable for the type of welding you are doing. ALWAYS wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when chipping or grinding a work piece if you are not wearing a welding helmet.

What is welding helmet shade?

Usually, welding helmets have their characteristic shade number, which represents the allowable intensity of the radiation. It means that the helmet with a higher shade number will be darker.

What is the shade number on a welding helmet?

Welding helmet shades numbers vary from 4 to 13. The earlier numbers from 4 to 8 are useful in grinding and cutting processes. While the shades from 9 to 13 are mainly used for different welding processes. The larger the shade number, the darker the filter lens.

Why do welders wear helmets?

According to MyWeldingYard, Welding Helmets are essential for protecting yourself from harm related to fire, high voltages, and sometimes spatter of molten metal . Welding helmets also provide a shield from sparks and sharp tiny particles that may penetrate your skin. Plus, helmets protect your eyes from harmful radiations ...

How hot is a welding arc?

The welding arc temperature is relatively high can reach up to 6500F. The intense heat ionizes the air, and ultimately radiations of varying frequencies are produced which are hazardous to the eyes. So, you must know the current ratings of the welding gun while choosing the safety helmet.

What happens if the diameter of a welding helmet is too big?

The bigger the diameter, the more the material will quickly heat up and produce more radiation. Estimate the total time of radiation exposure to choose the darkness (shade) of your welding helmet.

Why is it important to know the environment when welding?

Most of the welders mention the importance of knowing the environment because it relates to helmets’ auto-darkening capabilities. Your helmet should adopt the optical view as if most of the welding process is done in sunlight.

Do welding helmets have a shade number?

Therefore, it will allow fewer radiations to pass through the filter lens and reach one’s eyes. Welding helmets come in a variety of shades according to diverse welding processes. Above all, keep in mind that before choosing the shade number, welding helmets should meet ANSI standards in the USA and CSA in Canada.

What shade should my welding helmet be?

Welding helmets protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays, electric sparks, flashes, gas, flame, heat and sudden flash of light.

How are shade numbers used in welding helmets?

Before knowing how to adjust the shade on a welding helmet, you need to know that there two types of lenses available: one with a particular shade number in the lenses and the other is the auto darkening one.

What is the best shade number for welding?

Many experts or professionals recommend a shade number between 9 to 13 as a good and safe number. With the increase of Amperage, you should also have to increase the shade of the welding lens, the higher the number the darker the shade will be. However, there is a lot of confusion about what shade numbers mean in relation to safety and ...

What does welding shade mean?

What do welding shade numbers mean? The numbers associated with welding shades indicate how dark the glass is in the lens. The higher the number, the darker the glass. The shade of glass that you choose for your welding helmet is dependent on many things.

What does it mean when a welder drops a lens?

Replacing lenses was a time-consuming effort, and, all too often, a dropped lens would mean lost time and expense. Many times, rather than spend the time and effort to change a lens, welders would work with a lens shade inappropriate for the job and would receive eye damage. Technology found an answer.

What are welding lenses?

Welding lenses come in two types, passive or active. Passive lenses have been around since people started welding. It didn’t take long before the welding hoods and goggles with which we are familiar today became standard issue for welders. These hoods allowed the welder to replace the lenses as needed for darker or lighter shades.

What is the danger of welding arcs?

There are several dangers from the light that is produced by a welding arc. Ultraviolet light – UV light radiation breaks into three classifications or categories. The wavelength of the light denotes these categories. UV-A – The longest wavelength of UV light passes through the cornea and is absorbed by the lens of your eye.

What is welding protection?

Welding requires various forms of protection for the welder. Welding produces forms of light that are potentially damaging to welder’s eyes. Hoods with the proper lens are essential. It is important to know and understand what the numbers associated with the shading of welding lenses mean and how to choose the proper shade of glass.

What is an auto-darkening lens?

Auto-darkening lenses. New welding helmets often come fitted with an auto-darkening lens that are almost clear when they are inactivated. When the welder strikes an arc, the lens senses the flash and instantly darkens to the pre-set shade number.

Personal Protective Equipment Structure for Eye Protection

Welding PPE is no magic trick. They don't eliminate risks in the workplace, but they significantly reduce the possibilities and save you from injuries. To ensure your protection, your PPE should have excellent quality.

Lens Talk: How a Welding Shade Chart Works

Now, welding lenses have this thing called a welding selection chart. It can be confusing at first, but it is easier to grasp than it looks. You have to master it to help you find the eye protection you need when welding.

Other Welding Safety Practices That Are Helpful for Your Eyes

Some general welding safety practices indirectly affect eye protection. Here are some tips to keep your vision protected at all times.

Weld With a Healthy and Precise Vision

Eye protection is incredibly important in welding. The arc welding shade chart outlines the best level of protection that you should wear when welding under certain conditions. However, there are other eye safety practices that you must also follow to ensure your eyesight is protected and remains healthy for years to come.

What to wear when welding a lens?

welding lens shade chart. So to stay protected while welding, it is your responsibility to arrange for safety glasses, goggles, a good auto-darkening welding helmet or welding face shields. The eyewear should have proper protection on the filter lens, which is indicated by the shade number.

What happens to the naked eye when welding?

The emission of IR (Infrared rays) and UV (ultraviolet rays) during welding damages the naked eye. There are high quality auto darkening helmets that protects you by getting activated within 4/10ths of milliseconds. But you will receive such good response time only in the high quality helmets.

What is a fixed shade lens?

Fixed shade lens or variable shade lens: The welding helmets which come with single shade that is pre defined are normally with #10, whereas there are variable shade helmets which can be darkened by a number of shades. It depends upon your choice and comfort level of which welding process you will be using.

What does shade number mean on a lens?

The shade number means the amount of darkness the lens will provide. This darkness basically differs in requirement for various professions.

How long does it take for a helmet to darken?

In order to prevent your eyes the lens should get darkened by 1/3600 of a second. In a higher version, you can expect 1/20,000 seconds of response time to get darkened.

What is shade number?

The shade number provides information about the intensity of the light radiation that it will protect you from.

Why is arc dangerous?

But most dangerous is probably the damage of eye that takes place when the arc is created and the harmful electromagnetic energy given off by the arc. This is most dangerous for the eyes because the damage done cannot be undone.

What is the UV protection of welding arcs?

A: Welding arcs emit both IR and UV wavelengths of light. Unprotected from this light, both eye damage and discomfort can occur. Since high-quality auto-darkening helmets provide UV and IR protection even when the helmet is not activated, you are always protected. However, for maximum comfort, look for a high quality helmet that has a response darkening time of 4/10ths of a millisecond. Less than a millisecond is not perceivable by the human eye and will provide the most comfort.

Why is it important to have a fully adjustable helmet?

Some helmets can only adjust the tilt of the helmet to the chest. A fully adjustable helmet also provides adjustment on how close the helmet is located to the face. This is especially important for those who wear glasses.

Can a battery operated helmet be flashed?

A: In most cases, it simply is a choice of personal preference and what is most convenient to the operator. But, one thing to watch out for is getting "flashed" with battery-operated helmet. These helmets offer a feature that will automatically turn off the battery after the helmet has been sitting idle.

Can you weld without a helmet?

Welding Helmets and Eye Protection. Welding helmets are one of the most common accessories in welding - let's face it, you can't weld without one or at least some type of protective eye shield. But what types of questions should you be asking as you are looking for your next helmet?

What is a welding shade?

Welding shades are very dark filters that let you look safely at the welding arc. Through this, you can produce a quality welded seam for your company. Welding shades are an extremely critical part of your job, as the light that is given off during most welding processes is as bright as the sun.

What does the shade number mean on a lens?

By looking at OSHA’s guidance (which, again, you can find by clicking here ), you can see that the shade number indicates the intensity of light radiation that is allowed to pass through a filter to your eyes. According to OSHA, the higher the shade number, the darker the filter and the less light radiation that passes through the lens.

Why is welding invisible?

Because the light from welding can be invisible yet extremely intense, you will want to take all necessary precautions to protect your eyesight. While it may seem like overkill at the time, taking the proper precautions now can save you from severe medical injuries.

What are the dangers of welding?

There are several dangers associated with welding, but some of the more notable center on your exposure to metal fumes and ultraviolet (“UV”), infrared (“IR”), and intense visible light. Injuries that can result from this exposure include eye damage, burns, injuries to your toes and fingers, and more. And the worst part about some of these injuries (like light-related injuries)?

Can welding shades protect your eyes?

While there are several different precautions that you can (and should take), one of the best is to purchase and use a welding shade. Welding shades can help protect your eyes in even the most challenging of conditions. This much is clear.

Can you see UV with the naked eye?

Since you can’t see UV or IR with the naked eye, you may not even be aware that your eyes are suffering temporary or even permanent damage. Because of this, you must take all of the necessary precautions to be as safe as possible when completing your welding work.

Is it a good idea to become a welder?

For most, becoming a welder is a terrific career decision. You get to see your completed work in front of you and you make a real difference in people’s lives. In order to do your job to the best of your ability (and to protect yourself), you need to make certain investments.

What is the most important thing to check while choosing the best welding helmet for you?

The lens shade is the most important thing to check while choosing the best welding helmet for you. Your safety from radiations, sparks, and spatter rely on this thing. Almost 10,000 eye injuries are reported in the USA each year, according to US consumer product safety commission. Most of these injuries are welding-related.

How many arc sensors are there in welding helmets?

Arc sensors. Welding helmets come with a range from 2 to 4 arc sensors. Sensors are essential to measure the surrounding level of light. If the helmet has more number of arc sensors, then there will be fewer chances of its failing at a difficult time.

What is the amperage range for flux core welding?

Likewise, for material like aluminum, we usually set an amperage range between 80 to 250. Thus, the lens shade will also vary accordingly from 10 to 12. Similarly, amperage and lens shade range has also been specified for flux core MIG welding. For this kind of material, the amperage range normally varies from 125 to 350, ...

How much amperage do you need to weld steel?

For a material like steel, amperage varies between 80 to 500. So, the lens shade range will also vary accordingly from 10 to 13.

What does shade number mean on a helmet?

The shade number shows the level of darkness of the glass used in the helmet and the level of protection it can provide. The higher the shade number, the darker it will be. However, the shade number is also set according to the type of project you are going to engage with. It varies from one task to another.

Can you use variable shade lens on passive welding helmet?

First of all, you must decide between a fixed or variable shade lens. Fixed one only darkens to a single shade and is used in passive welding helmets. While the variable lens darkens to a range of shades. Thus, if you are going to weld single material with a single process, then a fixed shade lens will be enough.

Is a welding helmet safe?

All the auto-darkening welding helmets are 100% safe from the Ultraviolet and infrared rays. These welding helmets naturally come in the range between eight (shade for low amperage applications) to thirteen (shade for high amperage applications). While selecting lenses, the shade number is an important thing to consider.

What is the UV protection of welding arcs?

A: Welding arcs emit both IR and UV wavelengths of light. Unprotected from this light, both eye damage and discomfort can occur. Since high-quality auto-darkening helmets provide UV and IR protection even when the helmet is not activated, you are always protected. However, for maximum comfort, look for a high quality helmet that has a response darkening time of 4/10ths of a millisecond. Less than a millisecond is not perceivable by the human eye and will provide the most comfort.

Why is it important to have a fully adjustable helmet?

Some helmets can only adjust the tilt of the helmet to the chest. A fully adjustable helmet also provides adjustment on how close the helmet is located to the face. This is especially important for those who wear glasses.

Can a battery operated helmet be flashed?

A: In most cases, it simply is a choice of personal preference and what is most convenient to the operator. But, one thing to watch out for is getting "flashed" with battery-operated helmet. These helmets offer a feature that will automatically turn off the battery after the helmet has been sitting idle.

Can you weld without a helmet?

Welding Helmets and Eye Protection. Welding helmets are one of the most common accessories in welding - let's face it, you can't weld without one or at least some type of protective eye shield. But what types of questions should you be asking as you are looking for your next helmet?