Hello to all fellow welders.
I'm writing this because I'm an easy touch for
almost anything that seems like a good deal. So,
when I saw a 2" x 4-1/4" auto-darkening arc
welding lens, on EBAY, for $10, "delivered", I
bought it. This foreign made lens was supposed to
auto darken from Shade 3 to Shade 11. What a
deal!!
However, before subjecting my eyes to the
destructive rays of ultraviolet, and infrared
radiation, from arc welding, I thought it would
be a good idea to perform two simple tests on the
$10 bargain lens. My concern was that the seller
didn't mention anything about compliance with
minimum standards set by ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, CSA,
OSHA and AWS.
As a user or employer, why test a foreign made
welding lens bought from an importer/seller named
Suzhoustar, thru Ebay or any other retailer?
Because, the legal responsibility for ensuring
that welding lenses are tested and that they
comply with safety standards falls upon the
importer of record. In other words, the individual
or entity importing the product is responsible for
your eyes. Does anyone know Suzhoustar, located
in China? I don't, and this is the company
that is responsible for making sure that this eye
protection complies with U. S. standards. This
also means that if you have a problem with the
$10 lens or your EYES, you can always contact
Suzhoustar, in China and complain to them.
Did the seller test for infrared Radiation?
Test No. 1: I took My infrared remote TV control
and pointed it at the the working side of the
lens. I approximated the distance I would be
from an arc rod while welding. From there I
pressed a button to see if the lens will darken
and how fast would it change. This lens will
darken. How fast does it change? I can't test for
speed but it does darken.
Test No. 2: The Sun Test.
I took the lens outside and thru it I looked
directly at the sun. Results, not so good. Two
to three seconds is all my eyes could take. I did
the same with a Shade 5, then a Shade 10 lens
and both of these worked much better than the $10
"Good Deal", 3/11 lens bought from someone, in
China.
What I learned.
I learned; Find out where anything you buy to
protect your eyes is made. If the seller doesn't
know, or it isn't listed or printed on the item,
then you have to assume that it is made outside
of the U.S. There are many other tests that a
U.S. manufacturer performs and certifies before a
lens is offered for sale. Check the organizations
I listed above for minimum standards for eye
protection and ask yourself, did the
manufacturer or seller test this eye protection
to meet those standards?
Last, if you are an employer, you are also
responsible and liable for the eye protection of
your employees. A welding lens made that meets
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, CSA, OSHA and AWS standards is
cheep insurance.
jimonlinux
