RandomTask

So I always thought those drapes around welding areas was just to prevent incidental eye contact. directly at the arc . . .Last night I was working in the garage with one of the team mates on our chump team. He was finishing up tigging the cage and I was on the other side of the garage working on some other stuff. I wasn't even looking at him welding (facing the other way). Well I woke up late night around 4 am in absolute agony. It was like someone took a brillo pad and was going to town on my eyes. Trip to the ER taught me all about flash/arc burn. Doctor stated that the UV rays (which I couldn't see) were probably reflecting off of something, causing my injury. So hopefully I can prevent someone this discomfort with this warning. If you have someone welding, EVERYONE should be wearing proper eye protection!

EF_LOVE

My father is a welder and i've seen him get "welding flashes" quite a few times, although i've never personally had it he has told me its one of the worst things he has ever had to deal with. Sucks to hear you got it and weren't even the one welding

sixcyl?

I think it's time to take legal action against this guy. I mean, he fucks your eyes all up and gets away with it? FUUUUUUUCK THAT.

Srsly tho: Sorry to hear that man, we always wear eye protection in the shop for this reason. Welding is serious shit. Hope you feel better.

ShawnD

getting flashed a lot sucks, I wear dark tinted safety glasses all shift no matter the brightness out so if I have the visor on my shield up and getting an accidental arc the shit doesn't kill me. They are dark enough to actually use an oxy-acetylene torch but we have goggles for that

RandomTask

Yeah, it wasn't even a thing of seeing the arc, it was just the UV rays that got me. I've been around welding plenty and done tons of welding. Worse thing I've ever done is tan my arms from doing it in short sleeves. The pain in your eyes is indescribable. You can't open your eyes, you literally become blind. Thank god for percocet.

ShawnD

ya I got in a rush yesterday while it was raining and I welded with my sleeves rolled up, burnt like hell on one arm lol

jaqattack02

Is this just for TIG, or is MIG welding that bad as well?

Spindrift

I also thought this only happened from looking directly at it, thanks for the heads up man and hope you heal up quick.

ravenracer

So its the welders fault that the OP got flashes ? I don't get your point but w.e

OP get better soon. Keep your protection glasses on at all times (during a welding session) in the shop.

ShawnD

anything with an electrical arc can fuck you up