UK Welding Curtain Safety Standards
Welding curtains and screens are essential for protecting workers and visitors from welding flash, UV radiation and sparks. In the UK, welding curtains must meet strict safety standards to ensure they provide adequate protection. This guide explains the key regulations and how PVCFAB welding curtains comply with them.
Why Welding Curtains Are Regulated
Welding produces:
Intense UV and IR radiation
Bright visible light (welding flash)
Hot sparks and spatter
Fumes and airborne particles
Without proper protection, these hazards can cause:
Eye damage
Skin burns
Accidents and injuries
Distraction to nearby workers
Regulations ensure that welding curtains provide safe, reliable protection in industrial environments.
Key Welding Safety Standards
ISO 25980 – Health and Safety in Welding
ISO 25980 is the primary international standard for welding curtains. It specifies:
UV and IR filtering requirements
Light transmission limits
Impact resistance
Flame retardancy
Colour and tint suitability
Marking and identification requirements
Curtains must be tested and certified to ensure they block harmful radiation while allowing safe visibility.
EN 1598 – European Standard for Welding Curtains
EN 1598 is widely used across Europe and the UK. It requires:
Controlled light transmission
UV and IR protection
Self‑extinguishing materials
Resistance to hot particles
Stable colour under UV exposure
PVCFAB welding curtains are manufactured using EN 1598‑compliant materials.
AWS F2.3 – American Welding Society Standard
Although not a UK requirement, AWS F2.3 is recognised internationally. It covers:
Radiation filtering
Material performance
Testing procedures
Many UK companies prefer curtains that meet both EN and AWS standards for maximum assurance.
Colour Requirements for Welding Curtains
Welding curtains must use approved colours that provide safe visibility and radiation filtering. Common compliant colours include:
Red
Green
Bronze
Dark amber
Clear PVC is not suitable for welding protection.
Where Welding Curtains Are Required
Welding curtains must be used in:
Fabrication workshops
Engineering facilities
Automotive repair bays
Training centres
Temporary welding stations
Multi‑purpose workshops
Any area where welding is visible to others must be screened.
How PVCFAB Welding Curtains Support Compliance
PVCFAB welding curtains are built using certified welding‑grade PVC that meets:
ISO 25980
EN 1598
AWS F2.3
Our curtains provide:
UV and IR protection
Flash reduction
Reinforced welded seams
Fire‑retardant materials
Fixed, sliding or mobile screen options
Custom sizes for any welding bay
Summary
Welding curtains must meet strict UK and international safety standards to protect workers from radiation and sparks. PVCFAB welding curtains are manufactured using certified materials that comply with ISO 25980 and EN 1598, ensuring safe, durable protection in any welding environment.