Welding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As part of staying safe and dealing with the hazards of the job, welders require personal protective equipment, also known as PPE, to shield their body against hazards like burns, electric shock, radiation and more. Considered the last line of defense, PPE is used to ensure if an accident does happen, you will still be safe. Of course, other measures should be taken to prevent this – but PPE will be there if all else fails. With the most up to date knowledge and the most up to date equipment, you’ll be fully equipped to protect yourself from any job-related dangers.
Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection are particularly important for welders who work up close and personal with a welding machine and torch. For this reason, every welder must wear a welding helmet to shield their face and neck from sparks and radiation that will damage your skin and eyes. Some sources recommend using an auto-darkening welding helmet, like the Lincoln Viking 3250D, which can eliminate the need to flip your helmet off and on as you work, allowing for consistent and high-quality welds as well as eliminating neck fatigue. Safety glasses should further be worn under the helmet to provide additional protection for times the helmet is raised or removed for inspection or chipping. If you work in closed quarters, you might not be able to wear a welding helmet. In this case, welding goggles, a handheld face shield or a less bulky weld mask can be used, such as the new Odyssey II Series Shade 5 Cutting Goggle, with a sleek design and other models (Odyssey II Chemical Goggle and Chemical Splash Goggle) for different types of work.
Foot Protection
If you are planning on welding, then you need to make sure your boots comply with local safety standards to properly keep your feet safe from any heat, sparks or other hazards. Wear leather boots that can shield your laces from sparks and protect your toes from all potential falling material with steel toes. If you only weld on occasion or will be near an area where welding is occurring, you may want to get leather spats, which can at least protect you from heat and sparks on your feet. A highly rated boot from multiple sources is the Dr. Martens Ironbridge Met Guard, which includes waterproofing and foot support that makes it perfect for a full-time welder.
Hand Protection
A major piece of protective equipment you must have if you are welding is gloves. Your hands are very close to the material you are welding, meaning your hands will be exposed to extreme heat. At the very least, your gloves need to be heat resistant and comfortable to properly weld. Besides that, you have several options when it comes to other glove features. If you need more dexterity for welding, you might want to get gloves made of horsehide, goatskin or pigskin. If you need gloves that can endure the most extreme heats, you should check out gloves made of cow hide or elk skin. Make sure you know what you’ll be using them for before purchasing a new pair of gloves to ensure you have the correct kind for the job you’ll be doing. A good pair for MIG and stick welding are the Caiman Deerskin FR Insulated MIG/Stick Welding Gloves, which include heavy duty padding and gloves that reach up to the elbow. A good option for TIG welding is the Endura Goatskin TIG Welder with Kevlar Lining, complete with fabric to prevent heat damage while still allowing for flexibility.
Body Protection
Like all other PPE, body protection for welding must be heat resistant. A good jacket for welding is imperative, especially because it protects the largest part of your body. For more light-duty welding, you can use a cotton jacket that has been treated or engineered to be flame-resistant. If you’re a regular welder, you can use a leather jacket. These jackets can be quite bulky, which is why innovation has led to leather jackets that work just as good with less weight. Try the Miller Split Leather Jacket, with the highest heat protection and a high rating from customers. Under your jacket, make sure to wear welding pants (check out the still stylish Carhartt Flame-Resistant Denim Dungaree), aprons or sleeves to protect your legs and chest when necessary.
Additional Equipment
There is a multitude of ways to protect yourself from any potential harm that can befall you while on the job. PPE such as respirators, clean air supplies, welding hats for under your welding helmet are just some of the additional items which may be required to ensure your safety. Always stay informed and up to date about the rules and regulations locally and on your site.