According to OSHA standards, welders must perform welds within a separate enclosure or behind a specially designed curtain. This process is followed to increase safety in the workplace by not exposing other workers or bystanders to flying debris.
Welding curtains must be covered with noncombustible materials. Often, these curtains are fabricated with a layer of zinc oxide to provide low reflectivity. They are designed to protect workers from flash burns and ultraviolet light. Some welding curtain manufacturers design their welding curtains out of vinyl.
A welder has to have access to proper ventilation. These welding curtains should be placed as to allow for some level of air circulation. According to OSHA, welding curtains must be hung so as to allow circulation at floor level.