Choosing the Right Welding Screen

29 July 2024

Do You Need a Welding Screen?

The world around us is built on solid and secure bonds. Welding plays a crucial role in creating the metal structures that make up the modern world, from towering skyscrapers to the cars you drive. But behind the scenes, welding is a process that demands respect. Intense heat, blinding light, and hazardous fumes are all part of the job.

This is where welding screens come in, acting as your knight in shining armour (well, maybe not shining!). In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of welding screens, explaining their purpose and helping you decide if your workshop needs this vital safety equipment.

A Shield for Your Business and Your Welders

Welding is all about heat. By melting metals and forcing them together, we create a permanent bond. However, this intense heat brings a range of hazards.

Protecting Your Welders’ Eyes and Skin

One of the most crucial functions of welding screens is protecting your welders from harmful radiation. Welding emits ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can cause severe eye injuries like arc eye (similar to a sunburn on the eyes) and skin burns. Welding screens are specifically designed to block these harmful rays, safeguarding your welders’ health and well-being.

Shielding from Sparks and Spatter

The intense heat of welding doesn’t just emit light; it also creates a shower of sparks and molten metal spatter. These hot particles can cause severe burns and even ignite fires if they come into contact with skin or flammable materials. Welding screens act as a physical barrier, containing these dangers within the welding zone and preventing them from reaching your welders or causing damage to the surrounding workspace.

Enhanced Visibility and Safety

Welding screens offer additional benefits beyond basic protection. The screen material can help reduce the glare from the welding arc, improving the welder’s visibility and creating a safer environment, especially in workshops where multiple welders might work simultaneously. Welding screens create a physical barrier between the welding area and the rest of the “shop floor”. This keeps unauthorised personnel and bystanders out of harm’s way, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Safety Regulations and Business Benefits

Many workplace safety regulations require protective barriers, such as welding screens. By implementing welding screens in your shop, you can protect your workers and ensure your business complies with these regulations.

Investing in Your Welders, Investing in Your Business

Welding screens are a cost-effective investment in the safety and well-being of your welders. Healthy and protected welders experience fewer injuries, leading to less downtime and increased productivity. In addition, a safe work environment fosters a positive company culture and reduces employee turnover. Welding screens are a win-win for both your welders and your business.

Welding Screens for Your Business

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of Welding Screens? Great! But before you strike that arc, take a look at your operation.

The Right Screen for The Right Job

Not all welding is created equal, and neither are welding screens. Here are some factors to take into account when choosing your Welding Screen:

Frequency: Are you welding constantly? For maximum protection, a permanent welding booth might be the best option.

Welding Type: Different methods, such as MIG or TIG welding, generate varying heat levels and hazards. Research your specific welding process to ensure the screen offers adequate protection.

Workspace Size: Limited space? Opt for a portable welding curtain for flexibility. Larger shops can benefit from the added protection of a full welding booth.

Multi-Welder Setups: Multiple welding stations can create a lot of glare. Screens help separate work areas and reduce glare for improved visibility and safety.

British Standards for Welding Screens

The Standard of Safety: BS EN 1598:1998

Whether you’re using a fabric curtain or a more robust screen, the key is ensuring it meets the requirements of  British Standard EN 1598:1998. This standard outlines the performance criteria for welding curtains and screens, guaranteeing they effectively shield your workspace and those around you.

Choosing the Right Colour for Your Welding Screen

Welding may be a fiery art, but it shouldn’t leave you seeing red (or any other colour, for that matter!). Choosing the right colour for your welding screen is crucial for safety and efficiency. Here’s how to navigate the colour spectrum and find the perfect shade for your welding needs.

Shades of Safety

At Tusker Industrial Safety, our welding screens and curtains come in 7 different material options:

• HIV3 Hivis Amber is a translucent welding PVC recommended where a reasonable degree of visibility is required.
• ULV1 Ultra Lowvis has extra strength, extra low visibility, and a very dark green matt curtain for applications requiring maximum arc filter and high tear resistance.
• Safearc Amber is reinforced for additional strength and tear resistance and is recommended for applications requiring a degree of visibility.
• Safearc Bronze is reinforced for extra strength and tear resistance and is recommended for applications requiring a degree of visibility.
• Canvas is a traditional flame-retardant material used in welding screens or covers; it is waterproof and rot-proof.
• TWG1 Weldgreen, a dark green welding curtain, is recommended for all.
• Neogard 250 or Neogard 400, 660gms or 850gms, are made from a neoprene-coated fibreglass material for use as a heavy-duty welding/ grinding screen or smoke barrier and have no visibility.

Welding Screens by Tusker Industrial Safety

Tusker Industrial Safety is a market-leading manufacturer and supplier of welding safety gear and comprehensive industrial safety solutions across the United Kingdom. Boasting over three decades of expertise, we take pride in our position as industry pioneers, with unparalleled insights into the sector and its specific needs. This extensive experience has driven us to craft an extensive array of safety products and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that adhere to the highest quality standards.

At Tusker Industrial Safety, we offer a wide range of products, including welding PPE, welding curtains, welding bays, welding blankets, fixed and folding welding screens, industrial fabrics, welding shelters, work shelters, construction safety products, fire barriers, and many other safety essentials. We also specialise in providing and producing PVC strip curtains, fire-retardant tarpaulins, personal PPE, work shelters, protective screens, and fire-prevention products.

Written By Tusker Industrial Safety