Welding can be a dangerous activity, particularly if the person carrying it out hasn’t been trained properly, or isn’t wearing the appropriate protective gear.
Protecting welders from the risk of injury (which can be serious) while enhancing their productivity levels, the right kind of protective clothing items and accessories can make all the difference when welding, and should always be carefully considered.
From helmets and welding gloves, to the right footwear and goggles, here’s what you’re at risk of as a welder, if you aren’t wearing the appropriate protective gear:
- Burns – where molten metal and high temperatures are involved, the risk of suffering burns is always present.
- Injuries –all it takes is a spark or a white hot fragment of metal to hit you when you’re not fully protected, and you could have yourself a serious abrasion, cut or worse.
- Inhaling harmful fumes – the fumes produced when you weld shouldn’t be inhaled as they can cause harm.
Now let’s look at some of the most essential protection for welders:
Flame resistant clothing
Wearing this when welding should never be open to negotiation. From welding jackets and aprons, to t-shirts and pants, clothing that has been tested for its flame resistance, is a must. Usually made from leather or cotton, these materials resist ignition and provide the wearer with a barrier against extreme temperatures.
When wearing protective, flame resistant clothing, ensure that it fits well and covers any areas of exposed skin.
Welding gloves
Typically constructed out of leather, welding gloves provide full protection against burns and sparks, and where possible, you should opt for a glove with a gauntlet cuff to help protect your forearms and wrists, too. You may also find that a welding glove that has a moisture-wicking lining, will keep your hands drier and more comfortable during prolonged use.
Proper footwear
Sparks and falling debris are always a concern when welding, and without the right footwear to protect your feet, you could do yourself some serious harm. Look for boots with a high top, and which are heat-resistant, and you may find that a pair that can be laced up (these should come with fire-resistant protectors), will give you a more secure and comfortable fit.
Respiratory protection
While this aspect of welding safety wear is often overlooked, it’s nonetheless very important. The fumes and particulates produced when welding, shouldn’t be inhaled as they can be harmful. Fortunately, wearing a good welding mask or respirator provides you with the level of protection you need, just be sure to find one that fits comfortably, and which is suitable for your welding circumstances.
Welding helmet
Critical for providing welders with eye, face and neck protection, welding helmets and welding safety goggles prevent the risk of harm from intense infrared light, sparks, flying debris and UV radiation. Without these items, burns and damage to the eyes can easily occur, the most serious of which is known as welders flash, or Photokeratitis.
It’s also important that when you have all the right protective gear for welding, that you take good care of it and keep it clean and safe when not being worn.
Wearing the right protective gear when welding will keep you safe from the risk of serious injury, and should always be a priority for employers and employees alike.
