Evaluating Optical Hazards from Plasma Arc Cutting

Details

• Personal Author:
  Burr, Gregory A. ; Glassford, Eric ; Burr, Gregory A. ; Glassford, Eric
• Description:
  The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health evaluated a steel building materials manufacturer. The employer requested the evaluation because of concerns about optical radiation hazards from a plasma arc cutting system and the need to clarify eye protection requirements for plasma operators, other employees, and visitors. The strength of the ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation (light), and infrared radiation generated by the plasma arc cutter was measured at various distances from the source and at different operating amperages. Investigators also observed employees performing the plasma arc cutting. Optical radiation above safe levels for the unprotected eyes in the ultraviolet-C, ultraviolet-B, and visible light ranges were found during plasma arc cutting. In contrast, infrared and ultraviolet-A radiation levels during plasma arc cutting were similar to background levels. The highest non-ionizing radiation exposures occurred when no welding curtains were used. A plasma arc welding curtain in place did not eliminate optical radiation hazards to the plasma arc operator or to nearby employees. In most instances, the measured intensities for visible light, UV-C, and UV-B resulted in welding shade lens numbers that were lower than those stipulated in the OSHA Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy table in 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5). Investigators recommended using a welding curtain that enclosed the plasma arc, posting optical radiation warning signs in the plasma arc cutter area, installing audible or visual warning cues when the plasma arc cutter was operating, and using welding shades that covered the plasma arc cutter operator's face to protect skin from ultraviolet radiation hazards. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Construction Industry Construction Materials Environmental Exposure Eye Hazardous Substances Metals Metal Workers Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Protective Clothing Radiation Safety Sense Organs Welding

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• Keywords:
  Arc Welders Arc Welding Audio Visual Communication Author Keywords: Plasma Arc Cutting Construction Materials Cutting Tools Exposure Assessment Exposure Levels Eye Hazards Eye Protection Eye Safety Eyesight Hazard Communication Infrared Radiation Light Emission Metalworking Nonionizing Radiation Optical Analysis Optical Radiation Optics Optic System PPE Protective Measures Ultraviolet Light Ultraviolet Radiation Visible Light Visual Fields Warning Devices Warning Signs Warning Systems Welders Welding Equipment Work Performance

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• ISSN:
  1545-9624
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article ; Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Ohio ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  DSHEFS - Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies ; DSHEFS - Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health ; Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America ; North America
• Volume:
  15
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20050530
• Citation:
  J Occup Environ Hyg 2018 Jan; 15(1):D1-D7
• Contact Point Address:
  Eric Glassford, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, 1090 Tusculumn Ave., Mailstop R-9, Cincinnati, OH 45226
• Email:
  eglassford@cdc.gov
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2018
• NORA Priority Area:
  Services ; Services
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:6d819bca82e1408039b376bcb4ef3e4dde7128e5c83f2e4869dd829aea0fb6e350687ba046f68555e62fcb7a43f990907d839e415b54490ace963d6f3c8543b2
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/210838/cdc_210838_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 808.72 KB ]