In the welding industry, safety is paramount. With multiple inherent risks, the absence of proper safety measures can lead to significant health and safety incidents. Amid such hazards, welding curtains stand as an essential protective measure, but how important are they?
Adherence to ISO Standards
When it comes to international standards, ISO 25980:2014 sets the bar with its explicit guidelines on the health and safety elements of shielded metal arc welding and related processes. Protection against hazards arising from welding, cutting, and related processes is integral to these standards. In the UK, welding curtains and screens must comply with British Standard BS EN ISO 25980, which mandates curtains to meet specific performance levels and hence, should come in varying colours and opaqueness.
It’s important to note that ISO 25980:2014 has been recently revised to ISO 25980:2023, with two major changes:
- No longer necessitating Hazard Level G
- Introducing requirements for luminous and blue-light emissions
ISO 25980 is unambiguous in its requirement for protective measures like welding curtains or screens, particularly when welding activities occur around others. These measures aim to protect against harmful arc radiation and diminish the impacts of noise, UV light, and hazardous fumes.
What are the UK Guidelines?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers detailed directives on welding controls, underlining the necessity of reducing risks associated with welding processes. It emphasises the employers’ duty to ensure adequate protection for all individuals exposed to the welding process, extending beyond just the welders.
Welding curtains come into play here, offering a robust solution for protecting against hazardous welding fumes and radiation. They act as a physical barrier, mitigating harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation while reducing the risk of fires caused by sparks and spatter. Moreover, they help control hazardous welding fumes, helping to improve air quality is designating welding zones.
Quality Welding Curtains: A PVC Strip Promise
At PVC Strip, we are a leading UK manufacturer of PVC products including welding curtains, and we acknowledge the importance of delivering products that promise safety along with top-tier quality. Guided by a thorough understanding of HSE guidelines and ISO standards, we design and manufacture welding curtains that not only meet but exceed these safety standards.
Our welding curtains are crafted from flame-retardant PVC and promise protection against potential fire hazards from welding sparks and spatter. Their coloured tint offers filtration of harmful UV and IR radiation, securing thorough protection against radiation-related conditions such as ‘arc eye’. Furthermore, PVC Strip welding curtains are designed to withstand high-traffic workshops, providing visibility and light for workers. We offer a range of welding curtains, including made-to-measure types, portable kits, low-UV grade, and a variety of PVC colours, ensuring a suitable curtain for every need.
With safety as a non-negotiable aspect, our priority is to foster a secure and productive environment. By choosing PVC Strip welding curtains, you can be confident that your welding operations always meet safety and efficiency standards. They are not only indispensable for compliance with safety guidelines, but they also provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your workers are well-protected. Explore our variety of welding curtains on our website or get in touch with us at 01925 638753 or sales@pvc-strip.co.uk for further assistance.