Personal ultraviolet radiation exposure of workers in a welding environment

Abstract

The personal ultraviolet radiation exposure levels of a group of welders and nearby workers were estimated using a photosensitive polymer film, polysulphone. The polysulphone film was attached to the inner and outer surfaces of eye protection, the workers' clothing, and also placed throughout the work area. The estimated average ocular exposures (inside the helmets) for welders and boiler-makers were between four and five times the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit, and the estimated exposures at the spectacles of nonwelders were around 9 times MPE. Body exposures (at the clothing surface) for welders were estimated to be around 3000 times MPE and for nonwelders around 13 times MPE. The ambient ultraviolet radiation levels in the factory were found to exceed the MPE by an average of 5.5 times, even in nonwelding areas. The results suggest that welders require additional ocular protection to supplement conventional welding helmets, and any exposed skin areas of workers in this environment should also be protected.