REVscene Automotive Forum - Can I get sued if someone goes blind looking at me welding?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by yot065 (Post 7943543)

Might be/might be not a obvious answer but I need other people's opinions, but could I get sued if someone walking by starts looking at what I'm doing while welding?

(don't have a very secluded area or welding wall things or w.e)

First of all, you can sue anyone for anything. Whether or not the claim is realistic is another matter.

OH&S Regulations state that you are responsible for the safety of others in your work area.

Consider bill C-45, it is most likley that you are not in danger of being sued as long as you have a "direct supervisor" as they will likely be considered the party at fault per bill C-45. Also the plaintiff would likely sue the company you are working for due to the fact they will almost certainly have liability insurance (where as you may not have insurance, or any assets that would make it worth taking you to court) and because they will also be at least partially responsible to ensure that you are meeting OH&S requirements.

If you were more specific I could probably be more helpful, if you are self employed, get yourself some liability insurance. (umbrella policy) It's a real bargain compared to a 1 million dollar blindness, burn, fire, etc claim.

Looking into the flash for a couple of seconds will cause damage to your retinal tissue by means of UV damage but it is not permanent and it is painful so you would be forced to look away before any major permanent damage is done. now repeated exposure similar to this will cause permanent damage but your just bein dumb.
When I weld I clear the area around me and warn other in the vicinity but really who is stupid enough to stare into something brighter then the sun for curiosities sake when it hurts?

I'd be more worried about someone suing you for your welds should they break.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiger_handheld (Post 7943564)

noob question: how does staring at welding spark make a person blind? parents always said look away, but never say why when I asked :(

why do you think welders need to where such a dark tinted face shield??

i keep telling the idiots at work not to come around my welding area. some are dumb enough to stand there staring. I keep a blue spark curtain up anyways.

People on balconies are not going to be blinded by your welding. Try google.

it could cause retinal tearing any bright light can

CNIB - Floaters and Flashing Lights

more curious if you're doing this at work or at home in your garage or something

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0unce. [?] (Post 7944415)

more curious if you're doing this at work or at home in your garage or something

this at home. doing it in my backyard which is somewhat isolated by 8ft fences all 4 sides and my house.. only way to see it is if you trespass or climb my neighbors tree or look from your balcony :moderatorban: