This standard shall apply to transparent welding curtains and screens that should be used for welding and cutting operations or processes where harmful sparks, spatter and radiation are emitted, and excludes those sources that emit x-rays, gamma rays, particulate radiation (such as alpha and beta radiation), laser light or electron beams. This standard makes use of the International System of Units (SI).

Purpose.

The purpose of this standard is to provide reasonable and adequate means, ways and methods for the testing, selection and safe use of transparent welding curtains and screens. In order to carry this out, the function of these transparent welding curtains and screens needs to be understood clearly. These devices are designed to provide outside viewers, at some distance from the welding arc or operation, a safe view of the operation and operator. Transparent welding curtains and screens are not meant to replace a welding filter plate or to provide a close-up view of the welding operation. Transparent welding curtains or screens are intended to be used at least 1 meter from the arc or operation. In establishing safety requirements, the hazards for a viewer at least 1 meter away were considered, with an 8-hour viewing time. In addition, a severe-case welding arc for ultraviolet and blue light emission was used (GMAW on aluminum with an argon shield gas). This represents a conservative approach for eye safety.

Because of this philosophy, curtain or screen grades were not referenced to the welding or cutting operation. The user may choose a device of whatever level of visible light transmission for the particular situation. Consequently, all devices must provide a minimally adequate level of ultraviolet and blue light attenuation. For example, if a low level of glare attenuation is desired, a light shade curtain can be selected, and the user would be assured of adequate levels of attenuation of ultraviolet and blue light radiation.

Safety.

Safety and health issues and concerns are addressed in this standard.

Safety and health information is available from the following sources:

American Welding Society:

(1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

(2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

(3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website

Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

(1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers

(2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers

Applicable Regulatory Agencies

Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous, and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.