Welding screens help to protect bystanders from which risk?

Welding screens are specifically designed to protect bystanders from the intense light emitted by welding arcs, which can cause serious eye damage if looked at directly. The bright light, including ultraviolet and infrared rays, can lead to conditions like "arc eye" or photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn of the eyes. By using welding screens, the harmful light is effectively blocked, allowing for a safer environment for those who may be present near welding activities without proper eye protection.

While the other risks mentioned, such as bodily injury from sparks, hearing damage from noise, and burns from hot metal, are valid concerns in a welding environment, they are typically addressed through different safety measures, like protective gear for sparks and noise reduction equipment. Welding screens primarily focus on controlling exposure to harmful light, making them vital for eye safety during welding operations.