Welding While Wearing Contact Lenses

Has anyone ever told you that if you wear contact lenses while welding that they can become fused to your eyes?

Well, it turns out that this is nothing but a myth. The American Welding Society (AWS) has an article that states: "Since 1967, the American Welding Society has received reports concerning welders who have claimed to have had contact lenses fused to their eyes, either by the heat of the arc or by microwave radiation. Not one of these reports has been substantiated, and safety bulletins issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Safety Council (NSC) have all indicated such incidents could not possibly have occurred." For the full article, head to the Contact Lens Wear Safety & Health Fact Sheet on aws.org.

So welding with contacts in is no more dangerous than any other operation performed in a repair facility. Keep in mind that you can still injure your eyes if dust or metal gets in them from grinding, sanding, or welding. That's why it is important to always make sure you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment when in a repair facility.

For additional information see the below articles.

Phillips Safety
http://blog.phillips-safety.com/welding-with-contact-lenses/

Optometrist Association
www.optometrists.asn.au/media/278085/position_statement_contact_lenses_and_welding.pdf

Snopes
www.snopes.com/horrors/techno/cornea.asp

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Body Shop Business: EV Intake Process Wednesday, 24 April 2024

    Body Shop Business has released an article highlighting the importance of the electric vehicle (EV) intake process.

  • Repairer Driven News: Matte Clearcoat Challenges Monday, 22 April 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting the challenges of matte and semi-gloss clearcoat.

  • I-CAR Just In Time: EV Repair Tips Wednesday, 17 April 2024

    Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...

  • I-CAR RTS App Monday, 15 April 2024

    Looking for another tool for your toolbox? An informational guide at your fingertips? Well, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app is what you are looking for!

  • Repairer Driven News: ADAS Radar Optimized Paint Color Resources Friday, 12 April 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. Paint film thickness not only may affect the performance of ADAS radars, color...

  • Back-To-Basics: Window Tab Retractor Thursday, 11 April 2024

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Window regulators have evolved over the years, most now using a clip type retaining method. With...

  • High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference Tuesday, 9 April 2024

    When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 1 Friday, 5 April 2024

    Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2024.

  • 3M Offers SOP And Process Hands-On Training and Skill Development Thursday, 4 April 2024

    The 3M Skills Development Center is a 15,000 sq ft facility where technicians can take a Body Repair Course or Paint Prep and Refinish Course. Both courses are majority hands-on of standard...

  • OEM Linking Pin: Nissan/INFINITI Outer Uniside Sectioning - Cut Line Clarification Wednesday, 3 April 2024

    As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. We‘ve had technical inquiries that...