AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsSafetyEasy
A welding inspector arrives at a job site and observes welders working without proper eye protection. The welders claim they are only performing tack welds and don't need full helmets. What is the MOST immediate and significant risk they are exposed to?
- APhysical impact from flying sparks.
- BRespiratory irritation from welding fumes.
- CFlash burn (arc eye) from ultraviolet radiation.
- DElectric shock from faulty equipment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Flash burn (arc eye) from ultraviolet radiation.
Even brief exposure to the intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from an electric arc, including tack welds, can cause 'flash burn' or 'arc eye,' which is a painful inflammation of the cornea. This is an immediate and significant risk when eye protection is not worn.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While flying sparks can cause eye injury, the UV radiation from the arc itself poses a more pervasive and immediate threat of flash burn during actual welding operations.
- B. Respiratory irritation is a concern from fumes, but not the primary immediate risk from lack of eye protection during arc welding.
- D. Electric shock is a risk from faulty equipment or improper technique, not directly from the absence of eye protection.
Welding Flash Burn (Arc Eye)
A painful inflammation of the cornea caused by exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from a welding arc, even brief exposure can cause it.
- Caused by UV radiation from welding arc.
- Symptoms include pain, gritty feeling, light sensitivity.
- Can occur from even brief exposure (e.g., tack welds).
Memory trick: UV from the arc, even a flash, can make your eyes feel like they're going to crash.