When it comes to welding, safety is an essential consideration. Various welding safety gears are not given much importance. However, it is crucial to make use of them to protect the welders.
All of them have a specific purpose in shielding welders from various risks related to welding operations like bright light, dangerous UV light, sparks, weld spatter, or potential fire hazards.
So, let’s have a look at some of the must-wear protective gears for every welder while working.
1. Welding Helmets/Hoods
For welders, welding helmets/hoods come in a diverse variety, which includes pancake welding hoods, sugar scoop welding hoods, and so on. These are among the most essential pieces of equipment that they require. Protective eyewear and face shields are used first and foremost to shield the welder from the light and heat associated with welding.
Bright light emitted during welding may lead to an eye ailment known as ‘arc eye’ or ‘welder’s flash’ – usually characterized by inflammation of the cornea. It can even result in blindness once the eyes are exposed to it for an extended period.
Therefore, a welding helmet or a pancake welding hood is a necessity for the protection of the welder’s head. These helmets/hoods are also designed to fit well. So, they will protect the welders from injuries and enhance their convenience, thus enabling them to weld well without straining their eyes or risking their lives.
2. Safety Glasses & Face Shield
Welding safety glasses and face shields have the significant function of shielding welders from dangerous radiation consisting of ultraviolet and infrared, frequently resulting in a ‘welder’s flash’ or arc eye.
They also protect the eyes and face from molten slag, flying spatter, metal particles, and other contaminants resulting from welding, cutting, or any grinding tasks. Furthermore, they can assist to avoid contact with dangerous gases and smoke or to hold them to a minimal level when they are inevitable.
3. Welding Boots
Welding boots are one of the essential components of the personal protective equipment a welder can use. These shoes safeguard the welder’s feet from various dangers in the welding surroundings, including falling stocks, sharp metal fragments, hot spits, and droplets of molten metal.
What’s more, they also offer electrical insulation together with electrical strength, heat, flame, and chemical resistance. Moreover, the proper welding boots provide comfort and support so that the workers do not feel exhausted throughout their working hours.
4. Welding Gloves
Welding gloves are essential safety equipment for welders because they protect against burns and other injuries due to heat. They shield the hands from numerous risks ranging from heat, sparks from a welding job, sharp steel edges when handling metal, and electric shock, among other risks.
Welding gloves are essential as they provide thermal protection and dexterity of the hand all at once. It not only protects the hand from the various dangers that may be arising at the same time but also offers dexterity and grip, which is essential when handling welding tools and welding jobs.
5. Welding Curtains and Screens
Welding curtains and screens are safety measures employed in welding processes to safeguard the welders and the people in the surrounding area from welding risks, including arcs, sparks, spatter, and unhealthy ultraviolet light emissions.
They are usually made from fire-resistant materials, and they come in many colors, with the darker shades offering more protection. It prevents not only people in its proximity from getting hurt but also protects the equipment and materials from being damaged.