Comparative Studies of the Effectiveness of Different Ultraviolet Radiation Protective Welding Google in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Welding goggles provide a degree of eye protection while some forms of welding and cutting are being done. They are intended to protect the eyes not only from the heat and optical radiation produced by the welding, such as the intense ultraviolet light produced by an electric arc, but also from sparks or debris. This study therefore examined the effectiveness of different Ultraviolet radiation protective welding goggles in Calabar, using appropriate method at a distance of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 cm from the ultraviolet radiation source from welders and the incidence ultraviolet radiation measurements were obtained. This process was repeated by inserting each goggle 3 cm from the ultraviolet meter probe and ultraviolet radiation transmittance and energy measurements were taken. The results obtained show that at a range of current 200 – 215 Ampere, all the goggles A to E transmitted very low ultraviolet radiation between (0.00 – 0.303 mW/cm²) for all the ultraviolet band. Hence, A, B, C, D and E had transmittances at the range of (0.000 - 0.303, 0.000 - 0.217, 0.00 – 0.024, 0.000 – 0.032, 0.000 – 0.039 (J/m2) respectively for all ultraviolet bands. This result is far below the recommended International Commission on Non - ionizing Radiation Protection Standard of 30 J/m². Therefore, all the goggles under investigation are found to be suitable for use during welding. It is recommended that arc welders in Calabar Metropolis should continue to wear protective goggles to prevent ultraviolet radiation from entering their eyes.