The world of welding can be a hazardous place, where unmanaged risks can lead to serious health and safety consequences. The deployment of effective safety measures, such as welding curtains, is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe welding environment. But the question remains - are welding curtains actually required?

Understanding the UK Guidelines

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed guidance on welding controls. It makes clear that suitable precautions must be taken to reduce risks associated with welding operations. According to the HSE, employers should provide sufficient protection to all employees exposed to the welding process, not just the welders themselves.

The use of welding curtains plays a pivotal role in protecting individuals from hazardous welding fumes and radiation. By setting up a physical barrier, welding curtains block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, and also minimise the risk of fire from sparks and spatter. They also help to contain harmful welding fumes, thus aiding in maintaining air quality.

Therefore, based on the HSE's guidance, it's evident that welding curtains are an essential requirement in ensuring the safety of workers in and around the welding zone.

Complying with ISO Standards

Turning our attention to international standards, ISO 25980:2014 provides specific guidelines on the health and safety aspects of shielded metal arc welding and related processes. It specifies requirements for protection against hazards generated from welding, cutting, and allied processes. In the UK, welding curtains and screens should adhere to the British Standard BS EN ISO 25980. The standard only requires the curtains to reach certain performance levels and therefore should be available in a variety of colours and opaqueness. It is important to note that the standard has recently been revised by ISO 25980:2023, which now replaces the 2014 version. The two main changes are:

  • Hazard level G is no longer required
  • Requirements on luminous and blue-light emissions have been added

One of the key aspects of ISO 25980 is the clear mandate for the use of protective measures like welding curtains or screens, especially when other people are present in the vicinity of welding activities. These protective measures are designed to safeguard against harmful arc radiation and minimise the effects of noise, vibration, and hazardous fumes.

The Role of Quality Welding Curtains

As a leading UK manufacturer of PVC products, including welding curtains, here at Rayflex, we understand the importance of supplying our customers with products that are not only high-quality but also safe. With a deep understanding of the HSE guidelines and ISO standards, we design and manufacture quality welding curtains that meet and exceed these safety requirements.

Our welding curtains are carefully crafted from flame-retardant PVC, ensuring protection against fire hazards from welding sparks and spatter. They are tinted to filter harmful UV and IR radiation, providing comprehensive protection against 'arc eye' and other radiation-related conditions. Additionally, Rayflex welding curtains are designed to withstand the rigours of a busy workshop whilst ensuring visibility and light for workers. Our welding curtain selection includes made-to-measure types, portable kits, low-UV grade, as well as a range of PVC colours, so you are able to purchase a curtain that is most suitable for you.

In the end, ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers isn't just about compliance with regulations, it's about creating a productive, secure environment where the best work can be done. With Rayflex welding curtains, you can be sure that your welding operations are always up to the mark in safety and efficiency.

So, are welding curtains required? Without a doubt, the answer is yes! Not only are they an essential tool in ensuring compliance with safety guidelines, but they also offer peace of mind knowing your workers are shielded from harm. Please feel free to browse our selection of welding curtains on our website today or if you require more help, contact us on 01925 638753 or email [email protected].