The requirement to assess risks to workers’ health arising from the use of artificial optical radiation is imposed by Directive 2006/25 /EC and the regulations implementing the aforesaid directive in Poland. Research works concerning the above-named hazards have been focused on the assessment of the welders’ exposure to direct ultraviolet radiation of welding arc, yet they have not been concerned with persons working in the vicinity of the welding station. Part of optical radiation emitted by arc is reflected and scattered in welding station surroundings, thus reaching beyond welding screens or other collective protective equipment. Persons working behind the screens may be exposed to reflected UV radiation characterised by exposure levels exceeding the exposure limit values (ELV). The article presents results of research concerning the level of scattered UV radiation in the vicinity of welding arc during MAG, MAG-Pulse and TIG welding processes (in relation to selected welding parameters). The test results revealed the existence of potential risks to health of workers performing activities in the vicinity of welding stations, also in cases where protective screens are in place.

doi: 10.17729/ebis.2022.5/9