Welding Curtains
OSHA Compliant Welding Curtains — UV & IR Protection for Industrial Fabrication Facilities
DeBrovys manufactures OSHA compliant welding curtains engineered to protect personnel from the hazardous ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation produced by arc welding operations. Unlike welding blankets — which are designed to stop physical sparks and spatter — welding curtains are formulated from specially treated PVC vinyl to filter the optical radiation that causes "welder's flash" (photokeratitis) and radiation burns in bystanders and co-workers who are not directly performing the weld. In any fabrication facility where multiple welding stations operate in proximity, a properly installed welding curtain is not optional — it is a regulatory requirement under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252.
Our curtain line includes the Insta-Curtains Weld-View Vinyl Laminate series, which combines rapid deployment with professional-grade UV/IR filtration. The semi-transparent Weld-View construction allows supervisors and quality control personnel to monitor welding operations from outside the work zone without entering the radiation hazard area — a critical capability in training environments and high-throughput production facilities. All DeBrovys welding curtains meet or exceed OSHA, ANSI Z49.1, and California Fire Marshal requirements.
Welding Curtain Colors and UV/IR Protection Levels
Selecting the correct curtain color is a safety-critical decision. Each color is formulated to provide a specific level of UV and IR filtration, matched to the welding process and amperage range being performed. The following table summarizes the available options and their recommended applications.
| Curtain Color | Visible Light Transmission | UV/IR Protection Level | Recommended Process | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | High Visibility | Standard | MIG (GMAW) — Low Amperage | Training areas, light fabrication, high-traffic zones |
| Gold / Yellow | High Visibility | Standard to Medium | MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW) | General fabrication, supervision-required areas |
| Orange | Medium-High | Medium | MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW) | General industrial fabrication |
| Green | Medium | Medium to High | TIG (GTAW), Stick (SMAW) | Medium-amperage operations, mixed-process shops |
| Dark Green / Blue | Low Visibility | Maximum | TIG (GTAW), Stick (SMAW), Plasma Cutting — High Amperage | Heavy fabrication, intense arc welding, plasma operations |
For precise shade number recommendations, consult ANSI Z49.1 Table 1 or contact our technical team at (502) 584-3352. DeBrovys can also manufacture curtains in custom colors or to custom dimensions for facilities with non-standard requirements.
Welding Curtain vs. Welding Blanket — What Is the Difference?
One of the most common questions from facility safety managers is whether they need a welding curtain, a welding blanket, or both. The answer is almost always both, because the two products address fundamentally different hazards.
A welding curtain is made from specially formulated PVC vinyl and is designed to be hung vertically to filter UV and IR radiation from the welding arc. It protects bystanders and co-workers from optical radiation hazards — specifically, the arc flash that causes photokeratitis (welder's flash) and the IR radiation that causes skin burns and long-term eye damage. Welding curtains do not stop sparks or spatter; they are not rated for thermal or fire protection.
A welding blanket is made from materials such as fiberglass, silica, vermiculite-coated fiberglass, or aluminized fiberglass. It is designed to catch and contain physical sparks, spatter, and molten metal droplets, protecting equipment, cables, flooring, and adjacent materials from fire and heat damage. Welding blankets do not filter optical radiation.
A complete welding safety setup requires both: blankets to protect the physical environment from sparks, and curtains to protect personnel from radiation. DeBrovys manufactures both product lines and can supply a complete facility safety package. Browse our full selection of welding blankets and curtains or contact us for a facility safety consultation.
Standard Sizes and Custom Configurations
DeBrovys offers welding curtains in standard panel sizes suitable for most fabrication cell configurations, as well as custom-cut panels for facilities with non-standard ceiling heights, wide-span openings, or unusual layout requirements. Standard panels are available with grommets pre-installed at regular spacing for immediate deployment on curtain rod systems, overhead cable runs, or dedicated welding screen frames.
For facilities outfitting multiple welding stations simultaneously, we offer bulk order pricing on curtain panels. Contact our sales team to discuss volume discounts and lead times for large orders. Custom orders typically ship within 1 to 10 business days depending on quantity and specifications.
OSHA Compliance and Regulatory Standards
All DeBrovys welding curtains are manufactured to meet or exceed the following regulatory standards:
| Standard | Requirement Addressed |
|---|---|
| OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 | Arc welding and cutting — protection of personnel from radiation |
| ANSI Z49.1 | Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes — shade number requirements |
| California Fire Marshal | Flame resistance requirements for curtains and partitions in industrial facilities |
| AWS Safety Standards | American Welding Society guidelines for UV/IR filtration in welding environments |
For facilities subject to state-specific fire codes beyond California, contact DeBrovys to confirm compliance with your jurisdiction's requirements. Our technical staff can provide documentation and certifications as needed for facility safety audits.
Frequently Asked Questions — Welding Curtains
Q: Are welding curtains required by OSHA?
Yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 requires that welding operations be shielded to protect nearby workers from arc radiation. Welding curtains or screens must be used whenever welding is performed in areas where other personnel may be exposed to the arc.
Q: What color welding curtain do I need?
The correct color depends on your welding process and amperage. Red and Gold/Yellow curtains provide standard UV/IR protection for low-to-medium amperage MIG and TIG welding. Dark Green and Blue curtains provide maximum protection for high-amperage TIG, Stick, and plasma cutting operations. Consult ANSI Z49.1 Table 1 for specific shade number recommendations.
Q: Can welding curtains stop sparks and spatter?
No. Welding curtains are designed to filter UV and IR radiation, not to stop physical sparks or spatter. For spark and spatter containment, you need a welding blanket made from fiberglass, silica, or similar materials. Most facilities need both curtains and blankets for complete protection.
Q: How are welding curtains mounted?
DeBrovys welding curtains come with pre-installed grommets and can be hung on standard curtain rod systems, overhead cable runs, or dedicated welding screen frames. No special tools or modifications are required for standard installations.
Q: Do you offer custom size welding curtains?
Yes. DeBrovys manufactures custom-size welding curtains for facilities with non-standard ceiling heights or unusual partition requirements. Contact us at (502) 584-3352 or through our contact page to discuss your specifications.
For more information on welding safety best practices, visit our DeBrovys blog or browse our complete line of welding blankets and curtains.