Choosing the right welding screen or curtain is crucial for worker safety. Harmful UV and blue light radiation can happen during welding so you need proper protection. But how do you choose what's right for you? Let’s dive into some essential tips on navigating the size, color, and safety aspects of welding screens!
Welding screens, typically made of semitransparent vinyl affixed to a frame, offer portable and flexible solution. They can be configured in three- or four-sided setups, making an enclosed box for your welding setup! Screens like this come in many sizes and shapes and can often be found on construction sites and mobile welding operations because of their portability. They’re also used in welding shops and manufacturing facilities that need flexible protection.
Welding curtains are commonly hung from a frame or ceiling and are generally more stationary set ups. There are lots of varieties but the vinyl grommeted curtain is most common- fastened to a frame, fence, or other structures, using the grommeted holes along the material's edges. Another common type is the welding strip curtain- composed of overlapping PVC strips that can be semi-permanently secured to a structure or suspended from the ceiling. Curtains are generally used for permanent welding booths! 
Understanding the differences helps in selecting the right option based on mobility and usage! Another factor to consider when selecting a welding screen is size. Too small of a screen may compromise protection, while too large screens can be difficult to maneuver.
As for material, most welding screens and curtains are made of vinyl (PVC) or polycarbonate. A benefit of vinyl is that it provides safety while being comparatively affordable- it's also scratch resistant and easy to clean making maintenance a breeze. Plus, for screens that requiring frequent relocation, vinyl offers a lightweight and flexible solution! 
It’s important to look for welding screens that have been tested and certified to meet safety standards. OSHA and ANSI safety standards will ensure proper protection against UV and blue light radiation. They also must pass specific anti-flammability tests. To be compliant with this standard, screen and curtain makers must check the levels of optical and flame protection at an independent laboratory. After it’s been certified, they mark the screen or curtain with AWS F2.3M:2019, the manufacturer’s name, and the date of manufacture. Making sure your screen or curtain is AWS F2.3-compliant can help with safety and accident prevention.
Choosing the right color for a welding screen is vital for visibility and eye strain reduction. It’s important to consider your welding application and the environment you’ll be welding in before making a choice. Welding screens and curtains have different safety grades. Screens are categorized into light (L), medium (M), dark (D), and extra dark (E
Yellow screens (Grade L) These screens boast exceptional clarity, making them good for indoor welding applications. They allow for more light to enter the booth, making the welder feel less enclosed and they also let those outside the booth a better view for supervision or monitoring for safety concerns. However, it's a good idea to still be careful- in situations where people are around while welding with a yellow curtain, it is good to limit their exposure. These high levels of light transmission can disturb and inconvenience bystanders after several hours of exposure. RED screens (GRADE M) These screens are a popular choice. They strike a balance between supervision and minimal disturbance by retaining some transparency but stopping more visible light from coming through than their yellow counterparts. Green or Bronze Screens (Grade D) These screens maximize comfort for those around the welding operation, while still providing minimal visible light coming through the material. Monitoring is possible through these, but it’s not like the yellow curtains. You’re able to be sure that the welder behind a bronze or green curtain is still operating their machine and is not having any emergency issues, but you cannot see their work. MATTE GREEN Screens/ SHADE 8 (Grade ED) These screens are used when direct supervision isn't necessary. They’re commonly used in between two welders’ booths, acting at a partition. This lets just enough light through to indicate that welding is in progress, but not enough to be disturbed by the other welder’s light. Blue ScreensThese screens are not recommended! They are often falsely marketed for welding but they lack adequate protection. They will not meet welding safety standards and won’t protect from blue light radiation. So, when looking for new welding protection, first consider if you need a portable screen or a more stationary curtain. Then consider the size you might need, and what material works best for visibility, portability, and safety standards! Prioritizing protective equipment ensures worker safety and efficiency without compromising visibility or comfort.
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