What can cause injury to the eyes when arc welding?

Arc welding generates intense light, which includes ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, both of which can be harmful to the eyes. When welding, the bright arc can lead to a condition known as "arc eye" or photokeratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea.

Chipping without adequate eye protection can expose the eyes to flying debris and sparks, significantly increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the travel speed when making the weld can affect the exposure to the intense arc light; a slower travel speed may increase the length of time the eyes are exposed to harmful rays.

Both of these factors—lack of proper eye protection during chipping and varying travel speeds affecting weld exposure—contribute to potential eye injuries. Proper safety measures, like wearing appropriate welding goggles or helmets with UV protection, are essential to prevent such injuries when performing welding tasks.