Safety Trained Supervisor in Construction (STSC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free STSC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The type of radiation generated during welding operations that poses the greatest risk to eyesight is ultraviolet radiation. Welding arcs produce intense light that emits ultraviolet rays, which can lead to serious eye injuries, commonly known as "welders' flash" or photokeratitis. This condition is similar to a sunburn but affects the cornea of the eye, causing pain, redness, and blurred vision.

While X-rays, infrared, and gamma rays can also pose hazards in certain contexts, they are not typically associated with the immediate risks encountered during standard welding operations. X-rays, for example, are more of a concern in industrial radiography or certain medical applications. Infrared radiation is primarily involved in heat and does not directly damage the eyes in the same way that UV rays do. Gamma rays have high penetration power and are more commonly associated with nuclear applications rather than welding.

In summary, ultraviolet radiation is specifically linked to the high-energy light produced when welding, which is why it is considered the most significant risk to eyesight in this context.