Welding Screens & Curtains
Welding arcs give off intense ultraviolet and infrared light that can burn the eyes and skin of anyone nearby, not just the welder. Welding screens and curtains block that light and protect other workers, passers-by and inspectors. They are simple, but they must be the right type and set up correctly.
- Welding
- Construction
- General Industry
Why bystanders need protection
- Arc eye (welder’s flash) is a painful burn of the cornea caused by looking at an arc, even briefly or from a distance. Symptoms usually appear several hours later: a gritty feeling, pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision. It’s usually temporary, but very painful, and repeated exposure can cause lasting damage.
- Skin burns: ultraviolet light from welding can cause sunburn-like injury to exposed skin.
- Reflected light: bright, shiny walls and metal surfaces can bounce arc light into other areas.
- Welding also throws sparks and spatter, which can burn people and start fires. See Sparks & Fire Risk.
What OSHA says
- OSHA’s welding rules (29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q and 1926 Subpart J) require that workers or other persons adjacent to the welding area be protected from the rays of the arc, using screens, shields or other means such as goggles. See Welding & Cutting.
- Screens and walls should have a low-reflectance, non-reflective finish, such as a dull dark color, to avoid reflected light.
- Welders and helpers must use eye protection with the correct filter shade. See Welding Helmets and Eye & Face Protection.
Types of welding screens and curtains
| Type | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Opaque screens | Fire-resistant fabric or metal panels that block all light | Shops, areas with heavy traffic or strong arcs, and maximum privacy |
| Transparent tinted curtains | Flexible vinyl with a colored tint (often green, amber, red or blue) that filters harmful light but lets people see through | Work cells where visibility and communication matter |
| Portable screens on frames | Folding or wheeled frames with curtains or panels | Temporary jobs and moving work |
| Hanging curtains and strip curtains | Curtains hung from rails or ceiling tracks | Welding booths and fixed stations |
| Fire-resistant blankets and shields | Heavy cloth or fiberglass that blocks sparks and light | Spark containment and covering openings. See Sparks & Fire Risk |
Transparent curtains are tested to standards for how well they filter light, such as European standard EN 1598 or U.S. industry guidelines. Choose a screen rated for the process and the current, since some arcs, such as plasma and high-amp welding, need darker or special material. Follow the maker’s instructions.
Choosing a screen
- Flame resistance: choose screens made of flame-resistant or fire-retardant material that won’t ignite from sparks or hot spatter. Check the label and replace screens that are burned or melted.
- Light filtering: match the tint and rating to the arc. If in doubt, choose opaque.
- Non-reflective surface: avoid shiny fabrics and bright colors that reflect arc light.
- Size and height: screens should extend high enough and wide enough to block light from the arc to the nearest person, with a small gap at the floor allowed only if light can’t escape to walkways, and with openings protected.
- Stability: choose screens with solid frames and wheel locks, so they don’t tip over in wind or when bumped.
- Visibility and safety: allow people to see warning signs and hear alarms. Don’t block emergency exits, fire equipment or walkways.
Setting up the work area
- Assess the area for people, walkways, reflective surfaces and flammable materials. Use a hot work permit when required. See Hot Work Permits.
- Place screens on all sides where others could see the arc, and overhead if people are above. Close gaps, and use overlapping curtains where needed.
- Post warning signs such as “Welding in progress, danger, eye hazard.” Mark the area with barriers or tape for larger work areas.
- Remove or cover reflective materials such as bright walls, polished metal and glass when possible.
- Control sparks: keep combustibles away or covered. See spark containment in Occupied Building Hot Work. Keep an extinguisher and a fire watch where required.
- Ventilate the area. Screens can trap fumes, so use local exhaust. See Welding Fume and Welding & Cutting.
- Check regularly and move the screens when the work moves.
Limits and care
- Screens aren’t a safe place to stand beside the arc. People close to welding should still wear eye protection. A tinted curtain doesn’t replace glasses for helpers and nearby workers.
- Screens don’t always stop sparks, and some curtains aren’t made as spark barriers. Use fire-rated blankets and shields where spark containment is needed.
- Inspect before use for holes, tears, burns, discoloration and weak joints, since damaged material lets light through. Replace screens that no longer filter properly or that have yellowed or become brittle.
- Clean curtains following the manufacturer’s directions, and store them out of sunlight.
- Don’t use screens made for something else, such as clear plastic or tarps, as welding screens.
If someone has arc eye
- Move the person to a dark, quiet place, and get medical advice. Cool compresses over closed eyes can ease discomfort.
- Don’t rub the eyes. Don’t use eye drops unless a doctor suggests them, and see a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a day.
- Report the incident so the screen setup can be improved. See Eye Injuries.
Screen setup checklist
- Screens or curtains block the arc from all people who could see it
- Flame-resistant, non-reflective material rated for the process
- Signs and barriers posted; walkways and exits kept clear
- Reflective surfaces covered; combustibles removed or protected
- Ventilation in place; screens inspected for damage
- Nearby workers wear their own eye protection
Standards & references
Last updated: