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Welding

Shop Welding Equipment

Personal protective equipment utilized within the welding industry generally includes:

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The welding industry is an occupation that deals with more risk than most. Frequent exposure to extreme heat and vigorous equipment demands attention to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed for the field. Welding, cutting and brazing operations often expose welders to many hazards such as sparks, intense light, radiation, spatter, electrical current, fumes and extreme heat. Welders must wear appropriate clothing and PPE when performing welding or cutting tasks to avoid and prevent a serious injury.

Welding without PPE leaves employees exposed to common welding dangers such as fumes, high heats, and airborne particles. By failing to provide suitable PPE, workers are more likely to suffer serious injuries to vital organs such as the lungs, skin, and eyes.

WELDING APPAREL

According to ANSI Z49.1:2012, welding apparel must provide ample coverage and be made of appropriate material to eliminate or reduce burns on the skin. Flame retardant clothing, such as aprons and sleeves, help to protect the wearer from flying sparks. For professional welding customers, these tools are long lasting and offer comfortable protection.

HELMETS, EYE, AND FACE PROTECTION

Eye protection when welding can help protect against UV radiation, debris, flying particles, sparks, intense light, irritation and chemical burns. To prevent serious and damaging eye injuries, it is recommended that welders wear fitted helmets with a shield suitable for the job they are performing. If a welder is not wearing a helmet that includes an eye shield, safety goggles with side protection should be worn to prevent debris from harming the eyes.

HAND PROTECTION

Three common types of protective hand gloves for the welding industry include:
  • TIG welding gloves: Designed to provide adequate protection and finger sensitivity. Made of goat, cow, or pig hides.
  • MIG welding gloves: Designed to provide maximum protection with some dexterity. Made of pig, cow, or deer hides.
  • Stick welding gloves: Designed to provide the most robust protection. Made of cow or elk hides.

Gloves designed for the welding industry help to prevent workers from suffering serious injuries such as burns, electrical shocks, and irritation to the hands or lower arms.

Welding without PPE leaves employees exposed to common welding dangers such as fumes, high heats, and airborne particles. By failing to provide suitable PPE, workers are more likely to suffer serious injuries to vital organs such as the lungs, skin, and eyes.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Respirators are designed to keep welding workers safe in the environments they work. For most welding occupations that require respiratory protection, a loose-fitting respirator is good because it is integrated within a welding helmet. Because welding produces harmful fumes and gases, it is recommended to wear a filter mask such as a Powered Air Purifying Respirators, (PAPR). PAPRS are portable, bell mounted filtration systems that offer high-efficiency particulate and fume protection.