A welding accessory and a system for detecting thermal and/or UV radiation exposure during welding operations are disclosed. The welding accessory may have a surface exposed to thermal and/or UV radiation generated by electric arc welding, a first image visible without exposure to the thermal and/or UV radiation, and a second image formed from either a UV activated dye that is visible only after exposure to UV radiation generated by the electric welding arc or a thermochromic dye that is visible only after exposure to a predetermined level of thermal radiation generated by the welding arc. A system may include either a thermal or UV exposure indicator with a first state and at least a second state, and include either a thermochromic or UV activated dye adapted to provide a reversible or persistent visual indication upon exposure to radiation. The visual indication may include any combination of symbols, logos, images, text, or other decorative or informational designs as desired.
