Burns

[OldMcDonald]

I know I could Google this or ask some tame Medic, but I believe I will receive better answers from TBN members.

Is it possible to be "burned" to give a skin reaction similar to sunburn from the light or fumes emitted when welding? I am not talking about heat, but light or fumes.

On Thursday I needed to do about 20 precision spot welds that involved using one hand to hold a small piece in place, using a length of square rod to do the holding, and the other hand holding the stick welder handle. The job was such that I could not use clamps. I lined things up, screwed my eyes tight shut and turned my head away whilst I did the spots. I have done this many times before.

During the night I awoke with a sunburn type sensation on my face and sore eyes - enough that it was a lot more comfortable to keep them shut than open. It lasted all day Friday but was completely gone this morning (Saturday). A sunburn would have been sore for a few days. Not that I ever get burned because for several decades I have been suntanned/weatherbeaten from being outside several hours every day of the year - except yesterday.

I had plenty of time to sit and think, and whilst I am more inclined to the view that there was another cause, I began to wonder. Also on Thursday I spent a fair bit of time cleaning up a quantity of rusted metal. My predecessor(s) on this property seemed to have just dropped loads of anything anyway and eventually they have become overgrown and I find them whilst cultivating. Mainly yesterday it was about 30 three foot lengths of inch and a half angle iron. I also cleaned up a shed that had a lot of dried soil on the floor from having rushed in on a tractor to avoid the downpour we were having a while back, so more dust. Furthermore I moved some dusty old bales of bedding quality hay. I am more inclined to blame one of these other causes than the welder, but I still wonder whether it is possible to be "burned".

 

[Willl]

Is it possible to be "burned" to give a skin reaction similar to sunburn from the light

You bet there is, and have dealt with it many times. Ya think I would learn.

Not to mention how many times I've woke up with a hand full of sand in my eyes. Well, it feels like sand.

 

[RoyJackson]

When I was welding (many years ago), my arms got "sunburned" if I didn't wear a long sleeved shirt. That light from the arc still produces UV light, which causes the burn.
As far as your eyes...feels like sand or grit in them, doesn't it? That's flash burn. You either got a quick flash with no eye protection or you didn't use dark enough filters. You can also get flash burn when working next to someone welding (with inadequate eye protection).

 

[creekbend]

I am sure that several other TBN members have heard of this method to relieve the pain that is a result of flash burn. Put a slice of fresh cut potato over the outside of your eyes. This works, because I have done this. Just make sure you remove your contacts, if you use them. If there is major pain, please consult your doctor. Just a thought. Good Luck.

 

[sandman2234]

My eyes are extremely sensitive to UV light. I have been flash burned by a torch while wearing goggles. The goggles were the two separate lens types, and there was a tiny opening next to my nose where light was reflecting off the oily skin/perspiration on my nose and burned the inner corner of my eye. Not a fun night. They make what I always called "Miracle drops" that make it all feel so much better, but the topical pain killer(Tetracaine) actually slows down the healing process as it deadens the pain. Continues burning by UV can't be good for your eyes or skin, so cover up from now on.
David from jax

 

[Gary Fowler]

Welding with electric arc produces huge amount of UV light that burns the skin and eyes plus infra-red which you feel as heat. The UV what makes your skin feel like it got sunburned. You really should get yourself an auto darkening hood for instances like this one and all other welding jobs. It allows you to see what you are doing prior to tacking and protects not only your eyes but face and neck. You really should either button your top shirt button or like the old cowboys, wear a neckerchief to keep stray rays from your neck. Too much UV to the skin can cause skin cancers. It is NOT macho to weld with tee shirt like you see on the Orange county cycles show. I cant believe OSHA hasnt shut them down for all the violations to safety that they video like no faceshields when grinding, no UV protection when welding, same thing as OP here, tack welding without a hood, guys running around it tennis shoes vs steel toe shoes just to name a few of the things I have noticed in the few times I have watched. OFF track a bit but thing is be safe and dont imitate the things you see on TV everytime. They just may get you injured.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The UV from welding is much more intense than the sun, and even sun tan booths.

Eye burn is from "closing" your eyes and trying to tack or from too light of a shade or a helmet that leaks light.

 

[retiredmgn]

Chummy, get your butt to medical care. They might want to block your eyes for several days.
Not something you want to screw with.

 

[Shield Arc]

Is it possible to be "burned" to give a skin reaction similar to sunburn from the light

I think I have a permanent red V on my upper chest.:laughing:

 

[Willl]

I think I have a permanent red V on my upper chest.:laughing:

That's funny. Then I stopped laughing when I realized I had one too.