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ISO 25980:2023 — Transparent Welding Curtains, Strips and Screens for Arc Welding
Safety requirements for transparent welding protective barriers against optical radiation and spatter
1. Optical Radiation Protection Requirements
ISO 25980:2023 specifies safety requirements for transparent welding curtains, strips, and screens in arc welding workplaces. These protective barriers shield peripheral workers from harmful optical radiation and spatter. The standard covers four critical parameters: effective UV transmittance (200-400nm, limited to 0.01% maximum), effective blue-light transmittance (400-500nm, varies by curtain class), infrared transmittance (780-2000nm, limited to prevent thermal harm), and luminous transmittance (380-780nm, sufficient for visibility through the curtain). The 2023 edition significantly updated requirements based on current phototoxicity research.
These curtains are NOT substitutes for welding helmets. For direct arc viewing, use ISO 16321-1 and ISO 16321-2 eye protection.
| Parameter | Range | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV Transmittance | 200-400nm | ≤0.01% | UV spectrophotometry |
| Blue Light | 400-500nm | By class | Blue-light hazard weighting |
| IR Transmittance | 780-2000nm | Limited | IR spectrophotometry |
| Luminous | 380-780nm | Visibility | Photopic function |
2. Physical Durability and Environmental Resistance
Materials must resist UV degradation to prevent embrittlement, discoloration, and protective performance loss. Flame spread resistance prevents fire propagation in industrial environments through specified test procedures. Seam and eyelet strength ensure curtain assemblies withstand installation, handling, and ventilation airflow stresses. The standard specifies minimum breaking strength requirements with defined test apparatus for both seam strength and eyelet pull-out force. Ultraviolet stabilization is the most critical durability factor for material selection.
UV stabilization is critical. High-usage curtains can accumulate UV doses equivalent to weeks of direct sunlight annually.
3. Marking, Labeling, and User Information
Mandatory markings include manufacturer identification, standard reference, date of manufacture, and care instructions. Clause 7 specifies user information on installation distance (minimum 1m from arc), cleaning procedures, inspection frequencies, and replacement criteria. The 2023 edition removed hazard level G and added blue-light transmittance requirements based on new phototoxicity understanding. Annex A provides scientific background on transmittance requirements. Annex B offers practical selection guidance for safety professionals evaluating workplace parameters including welding process type, current levels, and operator positioning.
The 2023 edition added blue-light transmittance requirements reflecting current understanding of occupational phototoxicity risks in welding environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Minimum installation distance?
A: 1 meter from the arc, ensuring transmitted irradiance below occupational exposure limits.
A: 1 meter from the arc, ensuring transmitted irradiance below occupational exposure limits.
Q: Can these be used for laser welding protection?
A: No. Laser protection requires ISO 19818-1 for coherent monochromatic light sources.
A: No. Laser protection requires ISO 19818-1 for coherent monochromatic light sources.
Q: Recommended inspection frequency?
A: Regular visual inspection for discoloration, embrittlement, pitting, or contamination. Quarterly with annual replacement in heavy-use environments.
A: Regular visual inspection for discoloration, embrittlement, pitting, or contamination. Quarterly with annual replacement in heavy-use environments.
Q: What changed in the 2023 edition?
A: Removal of hazard level G, addition of blue-light and luminous transmittance requirements, updated test methods in Annex A.
A: Removal of hazard level G, addition of blue-light and luminous transmittance requirements, updated test methods in Annex A.
