UV & Optical Radiation from Welding SWMS
UV and optical radiation hazard from welding arcs — arc eye, welder's flash, skin burn, bystander exposure controls and shade lens selection.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Welding arcs emit intense ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation causing arc eye, skin burns and bystander injury. WHS Regulation 2025 Part 4.1 requires PCBUs to control optical radiation exposure, select correct shade lenses to AS/NZS 1338.1 and screen adjacent workers from arc flash.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Painful corneal burns, temporary vision loss
Erythema, burns, long-term skin cancer risk
Unprotected eye injury to nearby personnel
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Select correct welding shade lens per AS/NZS 1338.1 matched to process and current.
- 2Erect welding screens or curtains to AS/NZS 1338.3 isolating arc from bystanders.
- 3Cover all skin with flame-resistant clothing, gloves and leather aprons during arc work.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Mandates shade number selection for welding processes
Sets UV exposure limits and control hierarchy
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS template with project fields
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (all jurisdictions)
- ✓Optical radiation hazard register with shade lens chart
- ✓Worker sign-on register and review log
Related legislation
- WHS Regulation 2025 Part 4.1 General workplace management
- AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye protection
- Welding Processes Code of Practice