Eye Protection for Hot Work
Hot work can expose workers to intense visible light, infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation. Tasks such as brazing, torch cutting and some gas-welding processes may require specialized lens shades to help reduce exposure.
Edge IR3 and IR5 safety lenses are designed for lower- and medium-intensity infrared environments associated with certain hot-work applications. They provide a darker filter than standard safety lenses while maintaining impact protection for jobs where both eye safety and light filtration matter.
What Are IR3 and IR5 Safety Lenses Used For?
IR3 and IR5 lenses are intended for specific hot-work tasks where infrared light is present, including applications such as gas welding, brazing and torch cutting.
IR3 lenses provide a lower level of infrared filtration, while IR5 lenses provide a darker filter for more intense conditions.
The correct lens shade depends on the equipment, process and intensity of the work being performed. Always follow the eye-protection recommendations provided for the specific tool, torch or welding process you are using.
Are These Welding Glasses?
Not in the general sense most people mean when they hear “welding glasses.”
Many welding processes, especially arc welding, produce extremely intense visible, infrared and ultraviolet radiation and require specialized welding helmets or filters with much darker shade ratings.
IR3 and IR5 safety glasses are better understood as hot-work safety glasses for specific lower-intensity applications such as brazing, torch cutting and certain gas-welding tasks where those shade levels are appropriate.
They should not be treated as universal welding eye protection.
Why the Right Shade Matters
Too little filtration can expose your eyes to dangerous levels of light and radiation. Too much filtration can make it difficult to see the work safely.
That’s why hot-work eye protection should always be matched to the specific process being performed.
Before using IR3 or IR5 safety glasses, check the manufacturer recommendations for your welding equipment, torch or process and confirm that the lens shade is appropriate for the task.
Protection Beyond Light Filtration
Hot-work environments can also involve flying debris, sparks and other impact hazards.
Edge IR3 and IR5 safety glasses are built as safety eyewear first, combining impact-rated protection with specialized lens filtration for applicable hot-work environments.
For jobs that require additional face or eye protection, these glasses may be used as part of a broader PPE system according to the requirements of the task.
