Svářečské závěsy

There are hazards aplenty in the welding industry, and not just for the welder, bystanders too. There are the obvious dangers of electric shock and burns from dealing with both welding torches and heated surfaces as well as arch eye caused by the exposure to the intense UV light given off during the welding process.

Because of these risks a good welding curtain or welding screen is a must for maintaining a safe working environment and minimizing the risks of a serious impact to health. They act as an additional layer of protection around the work area, helping to prevent excess exposure to UV light and flash burns for those nearby.

The Cromwell range of welding curtains contains products from well know brands such as SWP, Tusker and Nederman so you'll be sure to find the right solution for your welding needs.

What are welding curtains?

Due to the nature of welding, even when all the correct safety measures are in place there is no guarantee that all hazards will be avoided. However, without the correct safety precautions the nature of the job becomes a lot more hazardous.

A welding curtain or a welding screen creates a safe enclosed area for welding work. Usually comprised of PVC welding curtains offer a fire retardant, high tensile and tear resistant shield around the work area. They are also a great alternative to fixed welding bays as they allow for portability. They often include viewing windows that provide transparency while still effectively blocking out harmful UV rays.

When should welding curtains be used?

If the workshop does not have an enclosed or built-in welding bay then a welding curtain is a must. As stated earlier this is because of the hazards associated with welding, and they can even go a long way to preventing the billowing of toxic fumes in the environment which can cause lung damage.

What are welding curtains made from?

Most welding curtains are constructed from a strong polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with flame-retardant chemicals that reduce the risk of burning when in contact with sparks, they also typically feature compounds to absorb UV rays reducing the risk of eye damage to bystanders.

Types of welding curtains

Welding curtains are relatively similar as they provide the same basic function. However, there are variations, so to help you select the right curtain for your welding area needs, we have listed the most common types below.

• Solid curtains - These are a more permanent or semi-permanent structure and usually mounted on rails. They can easily be folder back to allow access into and out of the welding area. They offer a good amount of protection but are lacking in the portability aspect.

• Curtain strips - These strips of PVC are designed to be walked through and are normally mounted in doorways. If transparent versions are selected, they allow for a good view of the welder on the other side before proceeding. There design means that they are commonly utilised in high-traffic doorways.

• Portable/frame mounted curtains - Typically these are mounted on portable rails and can be combined in number to create a fully enclosed booth that can be assembled practically anywhere. These can resemble welding screens but are typically mounted on rings allowing them to slide open and close.

Welding curtain jargon buster

To help you select the best welding curtain for the job, it is necessary to know some of the technical terms involved in the industry. Cromwell has complied a list of terms that may be useful when choosing the right level of protection for your welding needs.

• PVC - Polyvinyl chloride is a versatile polymer and is a main component in welding curtains. It has the advantage of being hard wearing and the ability to be manufactured with a level of transparency, which allows both the welder and bystanders to have a clearer view of their immediate environment. Tints and coatings can be applied to help reduce the exposure to UV rays helping to reduce the risk of serious conditions bought about by exposure.

• Arc eye - Also known as welders flash is a condition affecting the eyes that is bought on through prolonged exposure to UV light. The cornea becomes inflamed and is typically accompanied by watering and pain. In some cases, the sufferer may become sensitive to light and prolonged exposure can cause sight damage. There are treatments available to help but as always prevention is better than cure, a good quality welding helmet of mask with a tinted visor and a welding curtain significantly reduce the risk of the condition developing.

• Flash burn - Occurs when the heat and UV emitted from the welding process causes a burn. Arc eye is commonly called flash burn, but as the name suggests it affects the eyes; it is effectively a burning of the cornea. The same heat and light emissions can affect the skin too, which is why safety equipment in the welding area is highly recommended. The welders mask and gloves along with other safety clothing go a long way to protect the operator from harm, however bystanders are at risk of the same exposure. A welding curtain helps to enclose the welding area off from others and reduce the risk of hazards such as flash burn.

• EN 1598:2011 - The European safety standard for welding curtains and screens. Products certified to these standards are designed to protect people who work in the same area where hazardous radiation and spatter from welding arcs are present, but who are not directly involved in the operation of the welding equipment itself.

• ISO EN 25980 - The international standard for welding curtains and screens. This adopts the same criteria as EN 1598:2011, and as such replaces it.

• Fire retardant - Not to be confused with fire resistant. A fire retardant material is not immune to combustion, they burn slower than non-retardant materials if combustion occurs. With time and exposure to heat and flame the material will eventually burn.

FAQs

Are welding curtains fireproof?

The quick answer is no. By definition, fireproof or fire resistant means a material that prevents combustion from occurring i.e., resists burning and can withstand heat. Welding curtains are typically fire retardant, which means that over time and exposure they are susceptible to burning, but at a slower rate than non-retardant materials, reducing risk.

When should welding curtains be used?

If the workshop does not have an enclosed or built-in welding bay then a welding curtain is a must. As stated earlier this is because of the hazards associated with welding, and they can even go a long way to preventing the billowing of toxic fumes in the environment which can cause lung damage.

What are welding curtains made from?

Most welding curtains are constructed from a strong polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with flame-retardant chemicals that reduce the risk of burning when in contact with sparks, they also typically feature compounds to absorb UV rays reducing the risk of eye damage to bystanders.

For more regarding welding curtains be sure to check out our handy guides.