Transparent welding curtains and the requirements.

Standard Number: 1910.252

March 17, 1978

MEMORANDUM FOR: BARRY J. WHITE
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

ATTN: HAROLD WHITE Technical Support

THRU: DONALD E. MACKENZIE Field Coordinator

FROM: BRUCE HILLENBRAND Acting Director
Federal Compliance and State Programs

SUBJECT: Transparent Welding Curtains and the Requirements of 29
CFR 1910.252(e)(2)(iii)

This is in response to your letter dated August 18, 1977, on the above subject and confirms conversations between Mr. Wasko and Mr. Harold White. The transparent welding curtains referred to are of plastic composition. You wish to be advised if such curtains may be used to meet the requirements of the subject standard.

Standard 29 CFR 1910.252(e)(2)(iii) states:

Protection from arc welding rays. Where the work permits, the welder should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a finish of low reflectivity such as zinc oxide (an important factor for absorbing ultraviolet radiations) and lamp black, or shall be enclosed with noncombustible screens similarly painted. Booths and screens shall permit circulation of air at floor level. Workers or other persons adjacent to the welding areas shall be protected from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shield or shall be required to wear appropriate goggles.

In reference to the requirement in the first sentence of the standard, the employer would be in violation if the plastic curtain forms a booth to enclose the welder since the curtain is not noncombustible, as required. There is no known treatment which will make organic plastics noncombustible.

In reference to the requirement of the second sentence of the standard, the transparent plastic welding curtain could easily be installed to meet the ventilation requirement.

In reference to the requirement of the third sentence of the standard, a transparent plastic screen or shield would be permitted since it can be made flameproof as well as sufficiently absorptive and non-reflective of the welding rays.