No, green-shaded welding goggles are not suitable for all types of welding operations. They are primarily designed for oxy-fuel welding and cutting, where the light intensity is lower compared to other welding processes. These goggles typically have a shade number ranging from 3 to 6, which is adequate for protecting against the lower levels of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation produced during oxy-fuel operations.
However, for more intense welding processes like arc welding, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), the light intensity and radiation levels are significantly higher. These processes require a much darker lens, usually with a shade number ranging from 8 to 13, to provide adequate protection against the intense UV and IR radiation. Using green-shaded goggles with a lower shade number in these situations would not provide sufficient protection, potentially leading to eye injuries such as welder's flash or photokeratitis.
Additionally, green-shaded goggles do not offer full-face protection, which is necessary to shield the face and neck from sparks, spatter, and harmful radiation during high-intensity welding operations. For these processes, a welding helmet with the appropriate shade lens and full-face coverage is recommended to ensure comprehensive protection.
In summary, while green-shaded welding goggles are suitable for specific low-intensity welding tasks, they are inadequate for high-intensity welding operations, where more robust protective gear is required to ensure safety.