Importance of Welding Curtains in Industrial Sites

Welding is considered as one of the most commonly utilised as well as major operations in most of the industrial settings right from automobile industry to construction , shipbuilding as well as manufacturing. As it has a major role in the manufacturing and repairing of structures involving metal, welding comes with several potential hazards as well, especially in the case of busy worksites. This is where we find the advantage of welding curtains. 

Welding curtains a.k.a welding screen or partitions are protective fences made of materials like PVC / Vinyls that are resistant to flames. Their main responsibility is to safeguard the people, any equipment next to them as well as the job area from the toxic effects of welding operations.

Throughout this blog, let’s try to understand why welding curtains are considered important in an industrial environment and how they help create a safe and comfortable productive area.

1. Protection from Welding Arc Flash

One of the major risks associated with the welding process is the arc flash which is a quick burst of intensive ultraviolet as well as infrared light generated during the arc welding process. If you do not have proper protection eye wear and you got a quick glance of these arc flashes, it can result in: 

“Welder’s flash” or photokeratitis (which is a very painful condition to the eye)

Permanent damage to the eye  

Skin burns, 

Welding curtains are designed in such a way that they are capable of filtering out UV as well as IR radiation thereby allowing light to pass through but at the same time blocking the rays that are harmful. Having a welding curtain will make sure that people passing by unintentionally or working close by aren’t exposed to these arc flashes. 

2. Sparks and Spatter Containment

Welding generates hot metal sparks and molten metal spatter that can fly several feet from the welding area. These can:

Injure nearby workers

Damage equipment or materials

Start fires if they land on flammable items

Welding curtains serve as a physical barrier to contain sparks and spatter, thereby lessening  the risk of having any injury or fire. Welding curtain consists of flame resistant materials that are capable of withstanding high temperatures without getting ignited or melted. 

3. Noise Reduction

The welding areas in the industrial settings could be very noisy due to the fact that several welding machines and power tools are being used at the same time. Even though having a welding curtain installed is not the complete solution to get rid of noise, they can help in absorbing and blocking some percentage of sound.

This will contribute to : 

A quieter and more better setting

Lessened noise exposure for technicians closeby

Enhanced communication and focus

In job sites having several welding stations, welding curtains could help keep apart noise from each station, thereby creating clean and organized working zones. 

4. Enhanced Organization & Workflow

Another major use of having welding curtains is that it has a major role in the organization of industrial spaces.  By having specialised welding zones with the use of welding curtains, facilities will be capable of:

Separating welding jobs from other processes 

Preventing cross-contamination of job areas

creating clean and more efficient workflows

improving safety audits and adherence to standards

By using temporary or portable welding screens, it's possible to change the position as and when required thereby having the flexibility for changing demands in jobs.

5. Enhanced Safety and Adherence to Standards

Workplace safety standards require means to be provided by employers to  protect the safety of their employees from several hazards of cutting, brazing, welding etc. Having welding curtains installed is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to adhere to the safety standards. 

Any failure in protecting the non-welders from the flying sparks or arc flash could lead to hefty fines, injuries or even legal liabilities. There’s no doubt that welding curtains are the most cost-effective and reliable safety means for businesses to meet the obligations and make sure safety is ensured. 

 6. Increased Privacy and Concentration

At times, welding jobs have to be carried out with full concentration, especially when it comes to the wedding of intricate or high-precision jobs.Welding curtains offer:

Privacy for welders to concentrate on their jobs

Lessened foot traffic close to active welding zones

Protection from exterior light, that could interfere with some welding operations

All these will lead to more control over quality, less mistakes and enhanced productivity. 

 7. Flexibility and Mobility

Welding curtains are of many types — fixed panels, foldable screens, screens that are portable, and hanging strips. All these will makes it suitable for:

Temporary job areas

Upkeep jobs

Shifting of production lines

Outdoor or remote jobsites

Portable welding screens can be installed or shifted within some minutes enabling operators protection as and when needed. 

 8. Cost Savings

Putting an investment on welding curtains can lead to considerable savings in the long run by:

Avoiding injuries and related compensation disbursements 

Less damage to machinery, tools, and materials closeby

Lessening the downtime that happens from accidents or safety violations

Prolonging the life of equipment nearby by covering it from heat and debris

As a whole, even a decent upfront investment for giving importance to safety can help avoid costly problems down the line.

Conclusion

Welding curtains may feel like a small addition to an industrial setting, but the impact it offers is anything but small. Right from protecting your workers and machines and tools to helping businesses adhere to safety regulations, these welding barriers are an inevitable part of new industrial safety systems.

If you are a huge manufacturing plant or even a small workshop, having welding curtains installed is a smart and sensible move. If you have never had any welding curtains at your job site or would like to add more to offer easy and efficient welding, then it’s time to contact YES Machinery to get premium quality welding curtains.