Welding Mask Advice and Information!

What is a welding mask? If you are carrying out any type if welding it is important to have all the required safety equipment associated with welding. One of the most important pieces of safety equipment while welding happens to be a mask, also known as welding goggles or welding helmet.

A mask or helmet used for welding is a plastic mask that has a small rectangle window for seeing the welding work. Generally they come in black.

The small rectangle window in a welding mask is an lcd window that is translucent in ambient light, but automatically darkens or tints when bright light such as that of a welding arc is in view, much like prescription sunglasses that automatically tint in the sun light.

Older masks simply had a glass or plastic window that was always shaded meaning the welder had to set himself ready to work and then apply the mask before starting the job. This process was more difficult as nothing could be seen with the mask on until the weld was started.

What does a welding mask do?

A mask covers the face and neck meaning no skin is on show to the welder removing risks from sparks and flashes. It also reduces the brightness of the welding arc by having a window that shades the light for the welder to be able to see the work without causing discomfort.

Why is a welding helmet classed as safety equipment?

A welding helmet is classed as safety equipment for welding as it protects the welders eyes and face from the ultraviolet light produced from welding, along with heat, sparks and infrared light.

The ultraviolet light and infrared light can cause serious damage to the eyes of a welder if a mask is not used.

The most common eye injury caused by not wearing an adequate mask or helmet is something called Arc Eye where the eye becomes red and inflamed, this injury is very painful and those who have experienced arc eye will understand how uncomfortable it can truly be. For this reason alone eye and face protection is very important.

The less common, but more serious eye condition that can be caused without using welding eye protection is the burning of the retina of the eye. This injury can cause loss of vision, or in some cases even cause permanent blindness.

Other uses of a welding mask or helmet is for protection of the face and neck. As these areas are uncovered there is great potential for flashes or sparks to cause burning of the skin, with a mask or helmet this is not an issue.

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