In a variety of industries, welding can be one of the most essential parts of construction or manufacturing. This work can be extremely dangerous, but it can also be one of the most important final touches to a structure’s integrity or a product’s strength. Welding is a serious matter and, therefore, must be treated very carefully. The danger it poses highlights the importance of workplace safety. With many different possible hazards, proper protection and barriers are necessary for any welding job. The purpose of welding curtains is to help with this danger, but how exactly do they accomplish that? This article will discuss how welding curtains and barriers can help keep a workplace safe and secure from the dangers of welding. This will include a breakdown of safety hazards, different types of barriers, and the welding curtain material options offered by Singer Safety.
Welding Curtain Definition
To begin clarifying the purpose of welding curtains, it is important to first understand what a welding curtain actually is. Welding curtains are one of many types of welding barriers that are meant to help protect workers and pedestrians alike from the safety hazards of welding. Specifically, curtains can help create an enclosed space to serve as a soft-walled room where welding can happen safely and securely.
Welding areas can cause many different health and safety risks. Welding curtains and barriers can provide solutions to these risks when accompanied by proper welding PPE like helmets, gloves, respirators, and more.
Safety Hazards of Welding
One of the primary purposes of welding barriers is to protect against the many safety hazards and health risks that come with welding. But what are these safety risks? It is important to know the dangers associated with welding, so you know how to properly protect your workers.
- Arc-Eye: The bright light from welding heat can be blinding when looked at with the naked eye. Safety screens and helmets help protect welders and other workers from permanent eye damage.
- Respiratory Issues: Occupational asthma and irritation to the throat and lungs are a strong possibility when welding, especially when masks and helmets are not being used. They can also impact any passersby when there is no safety screen in place.
- Cancer: The possibility of lung cancer or other chronic lung ailments is dramatically increased when PPE and barrier protections are not used. Fumes and metal particles entering the respiratory system can cause lasting damage.
- Noise: Welding can generate hazardous noise levels that call for proper hearing protection. Barriers can help muffle and block sound.
- Burns or Skin Injury: Sparks and molten metal can be extremely damaging to bare skin. Barriers and PPE protect both welders and other workers from errant sparks or injury.
Because of these dangers, OSHA requires that welders be enclosed in small booths or rooms surrounded by appropriate welding barriers in order to protect both themselves and others. But, with so many barriers to choose from, how do you select the right type of protection?
Types of Welding Barriers
The purpose of welding curtains can vary slightly depending on the type of barrier that you are working with. There are a few different kinds of welding barriers that you might encounter as you search for the best form of welding protection for your business. Here are just a few forms of welding curtain barriers:
- Portable Welding Screens: These screens are a standard protective option. They are mobile and adaptable, with clips that can help you layer screens in front of each other and create long barriers.
- Portable Welding Curtains: Curtains are lightweight and easy to set up, which offers another adaptable safety solution. They also adapt well to permanent installations with gliding track systems.
- Welding Blankets: Blankets are designed to lay flat in order to protect the floor or other surfaces from welding sparks or molten metal.
- Roll-up and Tri-fold Screens: These solutions are excellent for welding on the go. They can easily unfold to create safe screens to protect your workers from welding hazards.
Types of Welding Curtain Material
In addition to having different types of welding barriers, there are also a few different types of material that you can use to create a welding curtain. The purpose of welding curtains is to offer protection and separation between welders and the rest of the workplace. At Singer Safety, we have different materials that can help offer small variations depending on your workplace’s needs:
- TransVue Vinyls for standard welding protection
- Laminate Vinyls for welding and additional privacy protection
- TempText-High Heat, for high-heat welding
- Cotton Duck for mildew resistance
- Specialty curtains such as translucent, mesh, or safety stripe
Welding Industries
Welding barriers can be used in plenty of different industries. The welding curtain definition is to offer protection and privacy to workers and welders alike; this makes them applicable to many industries, so long as there is a need for welding material. Here are just a few industries that can make use of welding curtains:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Shipping
- Railroads
- Aerospace
Welding Safety with Singer
The purpose of welding curtains is to offer both welders and non-welders safety from the hazards associated with this high-intensity kind of work. Depending on the welding curtain material and style that you choose to use in your workplace, you can offer more permanent protection from welding or flexible welding spaces that offer privacy protection in addition to welding safety. No matter your decision, the most important thing is to create a safe environment for your workers.
At Singer Safety, we are dedicated to creating safe and well-maintained work zones for your industry. Whether you are in construction, manufacturing, or the automotive industry, Singer has the safety products you need. From industrial curtains to welding screens, we know how to offer your workplace the best products to keep your workers and your equipment well-cared for. Contact our team of experts at Singer Safety today to find the best welding equipment for your workplace.
