Welding & UV Radiation
A good welders sunscreen matters. In fact, the welding arc gives off UV radiation that can burn skin. OSHA lists radiation as a key welding hazard. So, cover the neck, face and hands too.
Welding arcs give off ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and it reaches more than the welder. Helpers and anyone nearby can be exposed too. Because UV radiation is a leading cause of skin cancer, the neck, face and hands need protection every shift. In other words, sun safety is not just an outdoor problem.
Welder’s Occupational Risks
Welding injuries cost employers in medical bills, workers’ comp claims and lost time. The good news is that many of them can be prevented. For skin, that means a broad spectrum sunscreen on any skin your PPE leaves open. I.C. Industrial Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 36 uses mineral zinc oxide for UVA protection in a hybrid formula that rubs in clear. It also works right away, so a welder can apply it and get to work.
Cancer Causing UV Rays Created by Welding
Most harmful welding UV falls in the UVA, UVB and UVC range below 400 nanometers. Visible light and infrared sit above that range. So the plan is simple: wear proper PPE, cover exposed skin, and use a broad spectrum sunscreen where PPE leaves gaps. For more detail, read our article on zinc oxide sunscreen for welders.
