Welding enclosure with overhead screening

A detailed review of the laboratory drawings identified several site-specific challenges that made a standard enclosure arrangement impractical. Along the wall adjoining the welding area were multiple electrical sockets, storage units, and existing laboratory equipment that would be difficult to access if fully enclosed.

To accommodate these constraints, the final design utilised separate welding curtain panels secured to stanchions using Velcro tabs. This configuration provided effective segregation of the welding area while allowing greater flexibility within the laboratory space and maintaining access to surrounding services and equipment. The adaptable panel arrangement also offered the benefit of easy repositioning or removal when required.

An additional design consideration was the presence of a first-floor viewing gallery overlooking the laboratory. Positioned approximately 4.8 metres above ground floor level, with viewing windows located adjacent to the welding area, the gallery created a potential elevated line of sight into the welding zone. Eye level from the gallery was estimated to be around 5.5 metres above the welding bench and significantly above the curtain rail height, highlighting the importance of considering visibility and welding flash protection beyond standard perimeter screening.

To address this challenge, an overhead screening solution was considered to help protect occupants from welding flash exposure. However, the laboratory environment also required occasional use of an overhead crane, meaning any overhead protection would need to be retractable to avoid interfering with lifting operations.