I agree with you lawrence, safety glasses are considered proper protection from welding radiation. Also unless your actively welding most people don't keep their AD hood down because it's kinda stiffly and still hard to see what your doing. I also agree that a auto darkening hood won't really improve safety besides maybe neck strain (also most of the new auto darkening hoods are lighter).
I suspect in this case the safety officer is demanding them? and if the company is willing to pay, I'm curious as to what the reluctance is from a welder to use the hoods.
Also I really do suspect it would marginally increase production time and help reduce things like arc strikes and tie ins, because you can accurately position the torch prior to striking an arc.
Thank you Lawrence, My eye doctor told me that 30 yrs ago. I can't get my employees to keep them on no matter what. They keep saying " I got an arc flash, I need a curtain" etc.
I keep telling them, wear the safety glasses and you won't get a flash. (almost never) I haven't had one in years.
As far as the hoods, it is hard to tell what managements decision is based on. If they are paying, who's to complain. And boy do I agree, since I got my first auto dark, I don't like it when I have to use a standard lens hood.
Have a Great Day, Brent