Abstract
Welding and plasma arcs are among the most powerful emitters of optical radiation. The temperature of welding and plasma arcs is extremely high and the ultraviolet output is therefore potentially hazardous. As is well known the visible radiation emitted by these arcs is blinding, and several cases of severe retinal burns are known to have caused blindness. Theoretically, the emitted infrared radiation should be substantial, giving rise to concern about chronic exposures that might possibly enhance cataract formation. Apart from being extremely hazardous in itself the radiation can produce other harmful and toxic substances such as ozone, nitric oxides and particulates.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Amin, M., 1981. Synergic Pulse MIG Welding. Metal Construction, 13: 349–353.
Buhr, E., Sutter, E., 1989. Dynamic filters for protective devices, In: “Dosimetry of laser radiation in medicine and biology,” Müller, G.J., Sliney, D.H. (eds.), SPIE vol. IS 5, Bellingham, WA.
Eriksen, P., 1985. “Time resolved optical spectra from MIG welding arc ignitions”, Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J., 46: 101–104.
Eriksen, P., 1986. “Optical radiation from MIG and TIG welding arcs,” Danish Work Environment Fund, Copenhagen. (in Danish, English summary).
Eriksen, P., 1987. Occupational applications of ultraviolet radiation: risk evaluation and protection techniques, In: “Human exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Risks and regulations,” Passchier, W.F., Bosnjakovic, B.F.M. (eds.), Elsevier, Amsterdam.
ACGIH, 1988. “Threshold Limit Values and Biological Indices for 1988-89,” American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH.
Mariutti, G., Matzeu, M., 1987. Measurement of ultraviolet radiation in welding precesses and hazard evaluation. In: “Human exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Risks and regulations,” Passchier, W.F., Bosnjakovic, B.F.M. (eds.), Elsevier, Amsterdam.
Sliney, D.H., Wolbarsht, M.L., 1981. “Safety with lasers and other optical sources,” Plenum Press, New York.
Marshall, W.J. et al., 1977. “Non-ionizing radiation protection special study no. 42-0312-77. Evaluation of the potential retinal hazards from optical radiation generated by electric welding and cutting arcs,” US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA.
Lyon, T.L. et al., 1977. “Non-ionizing radiation protection special study no. 42-0053-77. Evaluation of the potential hazards from actinic ultraviolet radiation generated by electric welding and cutting arcs,” US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA.
Sliney, D.H. et al, 1987. “Transmission of potentially hazardous actinic ultraviolet radiation through fabrics,” Appl. Ind. Hyg. 2:36–44.
Sliney, D.H., Freasier, B.C., 1973. “The evaluation of optical radiation hazards,” Appl. Opt. 12: 1–22.
Sutter, E., et al., 1972. Strahlungsmessungen an verschiedenen Lichtbogen-Schweisserverfahren, Bericht Optik 2/72, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig.
ISO 4850, 1979. “Personal eye-protectors for welding and related techniques — Filters — Utilisation and transmittance requirements,” International Organization for Standardization, Geneva.
prEN 169, 1986. “Personal eye-protectors for welding and related techniques. Transmittance requirements,” Commission Européen de Normalisation, Paris.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1991 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Eriksen, P. (1991). Measurements of Welding Arcs and Plasma Arcs. In: Grandolfo, M., Rindi, A., Sliney, D.H. (eds) Light, Lasers, and Synchrotron Radiation. NATO ASI Series, vol 242. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0661-8_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0661-8_11
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-0663-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-0661-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive