Which item is specifically designed to protect the eyes from UV and IR radiation in welding?

• A. Eyeglasses
• B. Welding helmets/goggles
• C. Protective clothing
• D. Sunscreen

Answer: (B)

Welding helmets or goggles are designed to protect the eyes from UV and IR radiation in welding. The welding arc emits intense UV and IR energy that can cause eye injuries like arc eye (photokeratitis) and burns in a fraction of a second. To prevent this, eye protection must include a shaded filter that blocks UV and IR while still allowing enough visible light to work safely. Eyeglasses alone typically don’t provide the necessary shade or filtration for welding, and protective clothing or sunscreen don’t protect the eyes. Welding helmets or goggles incorporate the appropriate filters (and often optional auto-darkening features) to shield the eyes from both UV and IR radiation effectively.