Answer :
Final answer:
The statement is true.
Explanation:
True. Welders must indeed wear suitable protection, such as goggles or a welding helmet, equipped with a proper filter plate when performing oxyacetylene welding. This protective gear is essential to safeguard the eyes from high-energy electromagnetic radiation and thermal energy emitted during the welding process. The shade number of the filter plate is meant to enhance eye protection, and it typically increases with both the size of the welding torch tip and the thickness of the plate being welded, as higher intensity arcs are produced requiring more protection.
The intensity of the light and heat during welding can cause severe injuries such as welder's flash, also known as photo keratitis or arc eye. To avoid such potential damage, alongside immediate injuries like burns to the retina, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is not only recommended but often mandated by workplace safety regulations.
The selection of the correct filter plate shade is crucial in maintaining visibility while providing sufficient protection. These safety measures are not just for the well-being of the welder, but also to prevent injuries to others in the vicinity, as the effects of welding light can be felt and seen from a considerable distance.