What are welding goggles used for?
Welding goggles are designed to protect your eyes from bright light, sparks, and harmful radiation produced during welding. They filter out ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, helping to prevent eye strain and long-term damage such as arc eye (welder’s flash).
Do welding goggles protect from lasers?
Standard welding goggles are not suitable for laser protection. Laser light has different wavelengths and requires specially rated laser safety eyewear. Always use certified laser safety glasses for laser applications and welding goggles for welding — never interchange them.
What does a welding mask protect you from?
A welding mask shields your face and eyes from UV and IR radiation, spatter, and intense visible light produced during welding. It also protects against flying debris and heat, reducing the risk of burns or vision damage.
Why do welders wear special goggles?
Welders wear special goggles to guard their eyes from the bright welding arc, sparks, and radiation. Ordinary safety glasses don’t provide enough shade or filtering. Welding goggles include special darkened lenses that block out dangerous rays while allowing clear visibility of the workpiece.
Do welding goggles block infrared light?
Yes - high-quality welding goggles are designed to block infrared (IR) as well as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This dual protection prevents both short-term eye discomfort and long-term retina damage caused by prolonged exposure to welding light.
What happens if you don’t wear a mask while welding?
Not wearing a welding mask can cause arc eye, severe skin burns, and long-term eye damage from UV and IR exposure. Even a brief exposure to an unshielded arc can lead to painful inflammation or vision problems. Proper protective gear — including a welding mask, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing — is essential for safety.
What is the difference between shade 3 and shade 5 welding glasses?
Shade 3 and shade 5 welding glasses differ in how much visible light they filter. Shade 3 lenses are lighter and ideal for grinding, torch cutting, and inspection work, where visibility is important but eye protection from sparks and low-intensity light is still needed. Shade 5 lenses are darker and offer more protection from bright light and infrared radiation, making them suitable for light welding, brazing, and cutting applications. For any arc or MIG/TIG welding, a darker shade (9–13) is required.
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