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Welding Curtain Regulations UK — What You Need to Know
If your workplace carries out welding, cutting, or arc processes, you have a legal duty under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 to protect bystanders from UV and IR radiation. Welding curtains are the most practical way to meet this requirement.
The Key Standards: EN1598 and ISO25980
Two standards govern the performance of welding protective curtains in the UK and EU:
- EN1598 — European standard for screen materials used in welding and allied processes. Defines UV and IR attenuation requirements, flammability, and durability.
- ISO25980 — International equivalent to EN1598. Products certified to ISO25980 are considered compliant with EN1598 requirements.
All our welding curtains and screens carry ISO25980 / EN1598 certification. Colour is typically dark green or red — both provide the correct level of UV and IR filtration for MIG, TIG, MMA, and plasma cutting processes.
What Radiation Do Welding Curtains Block?
- Ultraviolet (UV) — causes arc eye (photokeratitis) in bystanders within seconds of exposure. Welding-grade PVC attenuates UV to safe levels.
- Infrared (IR) — causes heat discomfort and potential retinal damage with prolonged exposure. Certifed welding curtains reduce IR transmission.
- Visible light — the intense visible arc flash is also filtered to a safe viewing level.
Can I Use Clear PVC Strip Curtains for Welding Areas?
No. Standard clear PVC does not block UV or IR radiation. Using clear PVC as a welding screen gives bystanders no protection and does not comply with EN1598 or ISO25980. Always use certified welding-grade material — dark green or red — in any area where welding arcs are visible to non-welders.
Welding Curtain vs Welding Screen Frame
Two options for welding area segregation:
- PVC Strip Curtains (Hook-On Rail) — fixed installation above a welding bay doorway. Best for defined bays with consistent layouts. Dark Green Welding Strip Curtain Kit →
- Free-Standing Screen Frames (Defender Series) — portable, self-assembly aluminium frames with certified welding PVC panels. Flexible positioning for changeable workspaces. Defender 100–500 range →
HSE Risk Assessment Considerations
Your welding risk assessment should document:
- The processes being carried out and radiation levels generated
- The curtain or screen standard being used (EN1598/ISO25980)
- The coverage area — curtains should fully enclose the arc from all bystander sightlines
- Maintenance and inspection schedule — damaged panels should be replaced promptly
Replacement Welding PVC Strips
Welding PVC degrades over time from UV exposure and heat cycling. Individual replacement strips in welding-grade red or dark green are available by the metre — so you replace only what's needed without scrapping the whole curtain.
Browse all ISO25980 welding curtains and screens →