The wide array of hazards, from toxic fumes to burns and electric shock, puts welding at the top as one of the most dangerous professions. Approved PPE gear can contain most risks, but prolonged exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation is known to lead to permanent eye damage and skin disorders. To that end, a crucial piece of equipment used to mitigate hazards and enhance workplace safety – the welding curtain – ensures your shop complies with current industry regulations, and that employee safety and health aren’t compromised. 

Welding Curtain and Screen Fundamentals 

Curtains and welding screens are basic protective barriers made of heat-resistant materials. Their main purpose is to reduce the risk of injury to welders and bystanders by shielding them from welding arcs. While arcs produce extreme heat, they also emit ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, sparks, and intense glare, potentially leading to serious eye conditions, such as ‘welder’s flash’ or ‘arc eye’. 

Housed in robust fixed or portable frames, lightweight welding curtains can be quickly installed to isolate small or larger work areas. They shield employees and visitors by absorbing the damaging effects of radiant light. This can lead to serious eye injuries and burns in severe cases or discomfort and strain in daily tasks, restricting the visibility needed for clean and strong welds. 

The heat-resistant and flame-retardant material also reduces injuries and accidents from sparks and spatter, limiting the likelihood of burns from airborne molten metals and preventing fires in nearby combustible materials. Often overlooked benefits are reduced noise levels and hearing damage, improved airflow in smaller premises and increased productivity without disrupting workflow. 

Parts and Construction 

Curtains consist of two basic parts – the frame and the curtain. Frames are made of thick gauge square or round tube steel or aluminium in heights of 1.8 metres and lengths between 1.3 and 5 metres. The modular feet can be fixed, or include casters for easy movement. Curtains have reinforced (Kevlar) hems that prevent tearing, eyelets that easily attach to the frame, and are ISO certified for industrial use. This means they meet strict safety requirements for heat resistance, frame stability and effectiveness against UV and IR radiation. 

Buying Considerations 

There are several factors to consider when buying welding curtains so as to ensure the welding curtain is safe, complies with regulations and is designed to meet specific needs and settings. 

Materials 

Screens and curtains are usually made of vinyl or polycarbonate. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has high heat resistance, is flame-retardant, works well against common workplace chemicals, is tough to tear due to high tensile strength and is resistant to cracks. It’s also affordable, easy to produce and available in standard or custom sizes to suit different needs. 

Sizes 

The availability of different sizes means shops can use curtains and screens in different areas. Larger screens are understandably the more affordable option for larger welding operations, while smaller screens can benefit hobbyists and DIY-ers. Screens of different sizes can also be paired to make welding bays in varied dimensions. In terms of thickness, choose a welding curtain of 0.5 mm and upwards to ensure proper protection. 

Fixed or Portable? 

Casters and detachable feet make portable curtains ideal for welders working in multiple locations. Larger welding shops though can benefit from more stable fixed curtains in areas with changing weather conditions. The same applies to the sturdier solutions used in laser welding. 

Frames 

Frames need to be durable, weather resistant, and in portable curtains light enough to be moved where they’re needed. Aluminium is a safer option for portable curtains, but steel ensures more strength and is common in larger operations. Ensure both are coated against rust and static. 

UV, Noise and Fume Protection 

Curtains come in different colours to offer varying degrees of UV protection. They can also be designed with noise-deadening materials to suit busier workshops. And while they don’t completely prevent toxic fumes, they can be used to channel fumes to extraction points. Do your research, and ensure to purchase welding screens that suit your type of welding and the specifics of the setting.  

Why Colours Matter

Colours determine the level of UV protection and the type of welding process. Choose yellow curtains for welding machines and processes requiring low to medium amperage and improved visibility in larger workshops. Orange and red curtains reflect more light to provide a good mix of overall protection and visibility in medium amperage operations. 

Blue curtains filter out more UV light, so are generally suited to shops using medium to high amperage, often in TIG welding. The highest UV protection is from dark green curtains. These are ideal for shops that do plasma cutting and laser welding. Bear in mind that curtains are also offered in four colour grades – light (L), medium (M), dark (D), and extra dark (ED) with scaled differences in visibility.