Analysis of optical radiation emitted from electric arc welding

Radiation from welding arc has a direct and adverse effect such as eye and skin damages on the operator and other nearby workers. This is due to the fact that arc welding produces optical radiation between 200 nm ? 1400 nm wavelength band as UV, visible light and IR. With its 200 nm ? 400 nm wavelength, UV radiation is the most effectual one among the others. Therefore, welders exposed to these, have a higher risk to develop skin cancer and cataract damages than others. Although, it is known that welding arc produces radiation, there is no sufficient study made in detail about radiation from welding parameters, such as welding techniques, materials, arc electrical currents etc.In this work, on low carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel materials were welded by covered electrode, MIG and TIG welding techniques at different electrical current values and the radiation from arcs were measured than the results were evaluated. It was seen that high quantity UV exposures in all parameters were observed. It was seen that UV radiation with higher photon and wavelength energy, spreaded form MIG and TIG welding techniques, under the protection of argon gas atmosphere.