Flash Burn?

[youngwelder_154]

I got this really weird feeling in the bottom corner of my eye it felt kind of like I had spices in my eye I tried to rub it out but it only burned a bit more. I didn't do any welding that day other then tack welding on a project we had to finish. I just closed my eyes when i tacked it because everyone said we need this done. But would you say that was a minor welders flash or just form the chips I ate and itched my eye with? I also had it two other times the exact same feeling and I didn't eat chips. Should I worry about them after they go away or should I be ok?

[ronnielyons]

Burned eyes

I've had it one time in my life and believe me you don't want it. You can burn your eyes indirectly. I was helping a welder by holding while he welded. I didn't close my eyes, but looked away at the walls and ceiling. That night my eyes were on fire, just like I had been cutting onions and had someone throw a handful of sand in my eyes. It took a good 24 hours to settle down.
The best thing I can tell you from experience is, you're only issued two eyes...do with them what you will. There's never a job that's so important and in such a big hurry you can't use your safety gear. If you get hurt, the job STOPS, sometimes for days. Foremen tend to get their G-strings in a wad when things are running behind but you can bet your *** they'll not put on a helmet and help you. If they rush you and you make a mistake, it slows the job down. Redo's and call backs cost time and money.
If you can use a helmet because of space limitations, consider wearing dark sunglasses and closing your eyes while the other guys welds. You can also have special glasses made where one lense is a dark welding lense you can look through to weld, while you close the lighter eye you used for set-up and placement.
Bottom line is don't scimp on safety. I make my living as a nurse in an emergency room and I tell you what I tell you from experience. Industrial accidents are largely caused by removal of safety guards, getting in a hurry and having someone ride your back. It's your body...retire with it intact.

[Darmik]

Hey young welder get use to pontocaine

[R W]

Cold tea bags can be used to help relieve pain if nothing else is available.
There should be a cream or drops on sale at chemists for this problem.
Have been told a quick direct look at the sun, on receiving a flash will
prevent flash burn,I have done this many times and have had no problems.
Looking at the reflection of welding of a bright surface,like corrugated
iron can result in a bad flash burn.

R W

[youngwelder_154]

Ya I dont think I will be tacking with out good protection. If I need to i can just shut my eyes a bit tighter :P

[TomVeatch]

Ya I dont think I will be tacking with out good protection. If I need to i can just shut my eyes a bit tighter :P

You don't need to shut your eyes tighter - you need to wear your helmet. Don't get caught up in some kind of macho nonsense about not using safety equipment. "Macho" don't help you carry a white cane!

[calweld]

You don't need to shut your eyes tighter - you need to wear your helmet. Don't get caught up in some kind of macho nonsense about not using safety equipment. "Macho" don't help you carry a white cane!

This is the only post in this thread that makes any sense.

[youngwelder_154]

Calweld and Tom you both make sense in my opinion I learned short buts arnt worth it and knowlege is usless unless you use ti to your advantage and safty. Same with smoking drugs drinking etc we all know tis bad for us but no body gives a **** about how it effcts us and our family and friends.

[TomVeatch]

...
we all know tis bad for us but no body gives a **** about how it effcts us and our family and friends.

Just remember, that guy over there making wisecracks and/or "sissy comments" when you make the effort and take the time to do it safely is NOT your friend. He doesn't have to live with the consequences.

To All: That comment is a generalization and isn't aimed at any specific person or contributor to this or any other thread.

[youngwelder_154]

Very true, I guess this is off topic but I dont think I have had very many good friend ether they have made fun of me or jsut said stuff behind my back, I dont think I have ever had a group of friends. Only one or two people I can ksaya bout is really a friend to me or wella close friend.

[TomVeatch]

On the subject of friends, if you find one or two good, close friends and comrades during your life, as opposed to mere acquaintences and casual friends, you will have a treasure beyond compare.

The man I'll always consider first in that category was killed before he reached 20 years of age. That was long ago and far away during a time in my life that I prefer not to dwell on but it's a rare day, even now, well over 40 years later, that he doesn't cross my mind.

[youngwelder_154]

Tom I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. My best friend moved away to Ohio and I got very upset he was my first bestfriend we spent an intire summer hanging out skateboarding sleepovers videogames I even introduced him to his now ex girlfriednt hat went out for almost 2 years. he came back for her about 2 months ago I thought he came back so we could hang out againb ut it didnt turn out that well he is still my bestfriend we might not hang out all the time but we still talk and have a good time on msn or phone. Oh we also are goign to be goign to the same college next year sow e wil probly be driving eachother up. thats if we both get excepted

[FusionKing]

Back on topic

Some people have claimed to have gotten flash burned thru their eyelids!
Since I got myself an autodarkening hood years ago I no longer tack weld in that manner...I just don't have to...things turn out nicer also!
Nothing like having a real good buzz on and then start realizing you got a bad one earlier that day...I don't miss it a bit. Niether does oncoming traffic.

[JHCHOPPERS]

Some people have claimed to have gotten flash burned thru their eyelids!

UltraViolet rays (specifically UV-B) travels through thin soft tissue materal we call eyelids. Don't get cought up in the hype of TV shows like American Chopper, where you see those guys doing spot welds with thier eye closed...

[youngwelder_154]

JH I do agree with you about AMerican chopper showing unsafe habbets about welding safety. I cant say I am much better from now on I think ill just wear a sled no matter how small a job is. Plus I find when you jsut shut your eyes I tend to move off from the place I want to tack so really it takes just as long by the end of it.. but that is just me.