Occupational Exposure to Artificial Ultraviolet Radiation from Welding in Australia.

Abstract

Background: Artificial ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is produced during welding and can cause damage to both the eyes (ocular) and the skin (dermal). We aimed to investigate the protection used by welders to reduce their exposure to ocular and dermal UVR.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Australia that asked welders about their welding tasks and the control measures they used to protect against UVR exposure.

Results: There were 634 respondents, of whom 411 undertook welding themselves, 36 supervised other welders, and 130 both supervised and welded. Dermal UVR exposure occurred in 7.8% of welders and 14.4% of supervisors, whereas ocular UVR exposure occurred in 16.8% of welders and 33.1% of supervisors. The use of personal control measures was much lower among supervisors than welders; however, the presence of warning signs or barriers was reported more often by supervisors.

Conclusions: Despite the well-known acute and chronic effects of exposure to UVR from welding, there are still many welders and supervisors who do not use adequate protection.