today I spent 6 hours fitting and welding a roll cage, but my neck and arms feel like they're on fire, I got sunburned before and this is exactly what it feels like. (Funny I'm a dark skin black man from the caribbean) the first time I said I'm Jamaican I don't get sun burn, that's a white American problem I was clowned for a week by my white friends who tried to give me sunscreen. lol.

real question is; can welding give sunburn?

 

Been welding uncovered for a long time? Enjoy that melanoma bro

Ultraviolet radiation from welding and possible risk of skin and ocular malignancy. - PubMed - NCBI

 

Usually everyone who teaches himself welding gets burnt one time then never again. You need to protect your skin wherever it is being exposed. Especially if you working small enclosed area like a car, protect the back of your head neck too.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...bcf_story.html

Miller has a very nice respirator , protect your skin and lungs

Miller LPR-100

https://www.google.com/search?q=Mill...K0BGgQ_AUIBigB

look at all these pics of professional welders no short sleeves

https://www.google.com/search?q=prof...54CFAQ_AUIBigB

 

It's called arc burn.

Wear a long sleeve shirt at minimum.

Please post pics of your cage and welds.

 

I was wearing just a T shirt, and a full face mask, Never again, but comfortable with the outcome. will show it off once its completed.

 

One of these cotton jackets are great and inexpensive. Brand doesn't matter they are all the same. I like green or khaki because they are cooler if you are out in the sun. Black Stallion Welding Jacket - FR Green Cotton F2-30CR

When I was spending a whole day holding a torch I had to stay covered, protection from welding overhead and the UV light it is essential. It gets pretty hot where I used to work so I would cut out a big hole in the back and a couple small arm pit vents, made a big difference in the summer. Plus they are cheap enough to have a vented summer one and normal one to stay warmer come wintertime.

 

Armpit vents, you sir, are a genius!!

 

Same goes for plasma cutting. Need to wear a tinted full face shield and all your skin covered because it will also cause arc burn. I know from experience haha.