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Flame Resistant Fabric & Fibers: What You Need to Know

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a welder using a flame resistant fabric

If you’re familiar with flame-resistant (FR) welding apparel then you’ve definitely heard of treated fabrics and fibers or intrinsic textiles and fibers. When discussing fabrics and fibers that are flame resistant, there are several significant variances. Safety failures could occur if those variations are not understood. Understanding what they are and how these work in particular settings is important. Here, we define these terms and discuss some of the applications in which they are used and how they should be cleaned and processed.

What Is Treated Fabric in Flame Resistant Fabric?

Treated fabric is a fiber blend that, when combined with other pieces of fabric, forms a garment. This fabric can be thought of as the stage of production between fiber and garment. Treated fabrics have had a flame retardant chemical applied to them to make them flame resistant. The fibers used in these fabrics are not typically regarded as protective. Because of the chemical treatment, they become flame resistant.

 

The fibers used in these fabrics are typically 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and nylon. In terms of durability, the fabric made of cotton fibers has little abrasion resistance. Fabrics containing nylon fiber perform significantly better in terms of abrasion resistance. Utility, oil and gas, chemical, and petrochemical applications benefit from treated fabrics.

 

Water with a hardness of 1.5 grains (25ppm) or less should be used to clean treated fabrics. Hard water contains mineral salts that can leave deposits on the fabric, so less hardness is preferable. These deposits may compromise the garment’s flame resistance. If the garment is exposed to an ignition source, the deposits could even serve as fuel.

 

What are Treated Fibers in Flame Resistant Fibers?

Treated fibers have a flame retardant chemical applied during the fiber formation process. As a result, the fibers become flame resistant. For the life of the garment, fabrics made from treated fibers are flame resistant. Normal wear and laundering will not remove the flame retardant chemical. Only if the garment becomes torn or soiled to the point where the soil cannot be washed out will it no longer be flame resistant.

 

One type of fiber is treated with 100% rayon. These fibers are treated during the fiber formation process and are flame resistant indefinitely.

 

A fiber blend of cotton and Modacrylic fibers is another option. Fabrics made from these fiber blends have a soft and comfortable cotton-like hand. Modacrylic fiber contains both soft and strong components. It is also chemical and solvent resistant. As a result, these fiber types are ideal for use in flame-resistant environments.

 

These fiber types have a broader range of applications. Industrial protective clothing, utility work uniforms, and firefighter uniforms are all good matches. It is recommended that treated fibers be washed in the same manner as treated fabrics. If exposed to an ignition source, hard water may leave deposits that could ignite.

 

The only major distinction between the two types of care is that Modacrylic/cotton blends should be treated in soft water with non-chlorine bleach because chlorine bleach weakens the fabric.

flame resistant fabric

What exactly are innate fabrics and fibers?

Chemical treatment is not required for naturally occurring fabrics and fibers. The FR properties are an important aspect of fiber chemistry. Once again, these fibers are FR fibers, but this time from the manufacturing process. Normal wear and laundering will not cause inherent fabrics or fibers to lose their flame resistance properties. Throughout its life, the garment will retain its flame-resistant properties.

 

The most common inherent fibers are modacrylic fibers. They are most commonly used in blends with other naturally flame-resistant fibers. Modacrylic fibers are frequently blended with varying percentages of lyocell, para-aramid, and polyamide-imide fibers. These combinations result in a long-lasting fabric that meets the NFPA 70E CAT2 and NFPA 2112 standards. NOMEX is used in clothing as a stand-alone fiber or as a blend with KEVLAR.

 

Petrochemical, electrical, and utility industries all use inherent fabrics and fibers. Firefighter station wear and turnout gear are another popular application. Most natural fabrics and fibers should not be used in welding operations or around molten substances. Caring for natural fabrics and fibers is the same as caring for treated fabrics and fibers. Because hard water contains mineral salts that can leave insoluble deposits on the fabric, soft water is recommended. These deposits may compromise the garment’s flame resistance. Chlorine bleach is also not advised because it weakens the fabric.

 

With FR clothing, proper garment care is essential. The right maintenance makes sure that FR properties are not jeopardized. Your safety at work will be improved by educating yourself on what Flame Resistant fabrics and fibers are. 

What’s the best Leather for Welding?

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best leather for welding

Leather is a natural material that has been used for centuries to make clothes, shoes, and other items. It is made from animal skin and fat and can be made from many different animals including cows, elks, pigs, goats, deer, and sheep. All these types of leather have their own unique properties which can be used to determine the best type to use in certain situations. Here we talk about the best leather for welding for the best welding protection. 

 

Types of Leather, what’s the best leather for welding?

Before we decide on anything, it’s best to get to know the types of leather and what makes them different from each other. 

 

Goatskin

Goatskin is suitable for jobs requiring high tensile strength and flexibility. This type of leather is thin, soft, and pliable but it provides excellent protection against cuts and abrasion. The higher lanolin levels in the skin provide a moisture barrier, and the thin nature of the material allows for excellent fingertip control. 

 

Because of this, Goatskin leather is ideal for MIG welding. When combined with dexterity, it makes an excellent choice for TIG welding. Kidskin, very soft and lightweight leather from young goats also provides the required durability and abrasion resistance and is the highest quality leather for fingertip sensitivity.

 

Cowhide

The most common type of leather used for welding clothing is cowhide leather. This is because it is durable and flexible. It can withstand the heat generated by the welding process and will not melt like other types of leather would.

 

Its tough structure resists abrasion, sparks, and spatter, making it an excellent choice for tough jobs involving metal inert gas and stick welding. Cowhide is naturally water- and dirt-resistant, making it simple to care for. Although slightly more durable than elkskin, it is not as soft. 

 

Cowhide, on the other hand, is preferred over other non-leather materials for comfort, allowing it to be worn for longer periods of time. Cowhide leather is an excellent choice due to its abundant supply and durability.

 

welder at work

Deerskin

Deerskin gets its toughness from the fact that deer spend so much of their time in thorny, rough environments. Despite its toughness, deerskin leather is lightweight and pliable, making it one of the softest and warmest leathers readily accessible. It’s also one of the few types of leather that, when wet, returns to its original shape and softness. Thicker cuts of deerskin leather are ideal for MIG welding, while thinner cuts are ideal for TIG welding.

 

Pigskin

Pigskin is a dense leather, so it is less flexible than other leathers on the market. But because of the small pores in the skin, it allows the wearer’s skin to breathe which is great for welding gloves. Pigskin leather has a supple feel and retains its softness after being wet. Pigskin leather, though, is not recommended for use in areas where moisture levels are typically high. This type of leather is ideal for MIG and stick welders who require a high level of durability.

 

Elkskin

Elkskin leather is one of the softest and thickest leathers available. It’s the most heat-, flame-, and abrasion-resistant leather, and it won’t harden as quickly as other options. It remains soft even in hot and humid conditions and conforms to your hand, allowing you to move freely and comfortably. Elkskin’s heat resistance makes it ideal for stick welding.

 

Sheepskin

Unlike other leathers, sheepskin is tanned with the wool intact. Wool acts as an insulator and is resistant to flames and static electricity. Sheepskin is thin and elastic, allowing for flexibility and sensitivity, making it ideal for TIG welding. Its natural lanolin content helps heal sensitive and inflamed skin, and the fibers absorb perspiration.

Pipeline Welding Protective Gear

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a pipeline welder working

In hazardous working environments such as pipeline welding, wearing the correct protective clothing while doing so is essential for the safety of both the welder and anyone who may come into contact with them. When we think about the processes involved in welding, we tend to think only about the workpiece. As a pipeline welder, you should always think of safety measures by wearing the correct protective gears and welding clothing.

 

Pipeline Welding Protective Gear and Clothing

It is important that adequate precautions are put into place and to correctly assess certain hazards before choosing the right pipeline welding protective gear. Failing to do so could result in serious injury or, in some cases, death. After all, with something as hazardous as pipeline welding, safety comes first. Here are pipeline protective gears to consider:

 

Welding Helmets

The helmet is the welder’s foremost line of eyes and skin defense against the intense heat and sparks generated by an electric arc and the ultraviolet light, infrared rays and flying particles (such as spatter) released by it.

 

Welding Gloves

Heat, contact heat, sparks, spatter, and UV exposure are all elements that could harm your hands during welding. Welding gloves not only protect your hands from burns and injury, but also helps prevent you from being hit by sparks and spatter.

 

a pipeline welder working

Welding Goggles

Welding goggles are designed to protect the eyes from heat, glowing sparks, glare, and flying debris. When choosing welding goggles, keep in mind that some specialty pairs might be more suitable for welding outdoors or for other specific processes.

 

Welding Jacket

A welder’s jacket is an essential part of PPE. It protects them from sparks, flame, intense heat, and other welding hazards. This means it’s a one-of-a-kind piece of personal protective equipment that safeguards the shoulders, arms, torso, neck, and back.

 

Welding Boots

Protective footwear should be worn during welding procedures to guard against impact, sharp objects, and spatter damage. The soles of the shoes should be made of shock-absorbing and heat/water-resisting materials.

 

welder working

Welding Respirator

Welding respirators guarantee that the wearer has access to clean air to breathe. The nature of contaminants in the air (such as gas, fume, dust, or vapor) determine the need for the type of protective gear.

 

Hearing Protection/Earplugs

Welding is a loud activity by its very nature. Hearing protection is one of the most important gears that every welder should own. The three most common types of hearing protection are earplugs, earmuffs, and semi-insert earplugs. Hearing protection is designed to keep UV/IR radiation and noise out of the welder’s ears.

Welding Gloves and Heat Resistance

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welding gloves

A question you might have asked yourself would be, “Are welding gloves heat resistant?” The thing about welding gloves is that they are made of different materials. Some are made out of leather while some are out of Kevlar, carbon fiber, wool, and more. Each type would also be for the specific type of welding you do. So, to answer that question, yes. Welding gloves are heat resistant but are highly dependent on the kind or type of material they are made of. 

 

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, as mentioned by the Safety and Health Magazine, more than ⅓ of the 370 welding and heating tool-related injuries which required days away from work in 2018 were related to thermal or heat burns. Are you sure your welding gloves are heat resistant? 

 

welding gloves

Type of Materials that make Welding Gloves Heat Resistant

Kevlar 

This synthetic fiber is extremely heat resistant. The best thing about this material is it doesn’t melt. Kevlar can withstand extreme temperatures of up to 800°F. It’s also cut-resistant. 

 

Carbon Fiber 

Carbon Fiber can withstand temperatures above 2000°F for as long as 2 minutes. Because of their high tensile strength property and high-temperature tolerance, these have been widely used in aerospace, civil engineering, and even in the military. 

 

Leather Welding 

Leather is known for its durability and ability to diminish heat. Leather can withstand 200°F before charring. Go for leather welding gloves that are either made out of cowhide or goatskin. Cowhide is resistant to abrasions while goatskin is known to be a more durable leather. 

 

What is the best material for heat-resistant welding gloves?

The best heat-resistant welding gloves would be one that features a combination of these high-performing materials. Welding gloves made out of cowhide or goatskin leather that comes with a Kevlar liner. That way you get the durability of leather and more of the heat resistance feature of Kevlar.  

 

welding gloves

 

Generally, welding gloves can withstand temperatures of up to 2000°F for short hold times. On the other hand, for longer hold times, welding gloves can withstand a temperature of up to 600°F.

 

As a welder, you are exposed to extreme heat, infrared radiation, ultraviolet rays, and electricity. That is why having the right welding protective clothing from the top of your head to the tip of your toes is important. This includes a reliable pair of welding gloves that protect your hands and arms from any serious burns while at work. Make sure you know if the pair you have now is heat resistant so you get maximum protection every day.

How To Clean Leather Welding PPE

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welder in a leather welding apron

Welders take care of their welding gear and equipment. But when it comes to taking care of their welding personal protective equipment, not a lot can say they make it a priority. Some just wait for their welding jackets or welding gloves to wear out. When that happens, their solution is just to buy a new one. What if we tell you there’s a way you can extend the life span of your leather welding PPE? Here’s how. 

 

How to Clean Leather Welding PPE 

Leather is a common material used when it comes to safety gear for welding. Some are made out of cowhide leather and some deer hide. Taking care of these leather welding PPE can be tricky. If you aren’t familiar with how to do it, you could damage the material, leading to its deterioration. Here are some of the most common questions that we can answer when it comes to taking care of your leather welding PPE. 

 

Can I wash Leather welding PPE?

In cleaning leather welding clothing, water should be avoided in general. Ideally, you just need a little bit of lukewarm water. Do not wash directly with water. The biggest factor you need to consider here is the product you are going to use with it. 

 

You need to know that a normal detergent or fabric cleaning ruins the quality and durability of leather. So, if you have been doing this, stop. To begin cleaning, be sure you have the necessary materials: moisturizing bath soap or a mild detergent, leather conditioner, and cleaning rags. 

 

leather welding sleeves

 

The next thing you need to know is that leather should not be washed regularly. Instead, you should only do it once in a while or semi-regularly like twice or thrice a month. 

 

This technique or way of cleaning works for all leather welding PPE like leather welding jackets, leather welding sleeves, and leather welding aprons. 

Can I Wash a Leather welding jacket in a washing machine?

Like we said earlier, you can use a bit of water with some moisturizing soap. But can you throw it in the washing machine? No. Definitely, not. Leather welding jackets are usually made of heavier leather as compared to normal leather jackets. 

 

welding jacket

 

For a step-by-step process, you can read our blog on “How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets.”

 

How to clean leather welding gloves?

There are two ways to do this. First, if your leather welding gloves are not that dirty, you can simply just dust them off using a rag cloth. But, if your gloves already have some burn marks or stain, then using water would be advisable. This doesn’t exactly mean washing them but just using a damp cloth and scrubbing them gently. Same with leather welding jackets, you could also use moisturizing soap or saddle soap. 

 

welding gloves

 

One thing to note is that if ever you find your gloves damp, never ever squeeze them to remove the water. This will deform your gloves and ruin them altogether. Also, never use a hairdryer. Instead, just wipe them with a dry cloth or leave them out to dry. 

 

These are just a few tips on how you can clean your leather welding PPE. If you want them to last longer and if you want to save money as well, start the habit of giving some TLC to those leather welding jackets, leather welding gloves, leather welding aprons, and other leather welding PPE you may have. 

How to Clean Leather Welding Gloves

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welding gloves

Leather gloves are great for welding jobs but they aren’t the easiest to clean. If you keep your leather welding gloves in great condition, they’ll last longer. But cleaning your welding gloves involves some additional steps. The first thing to understanding is to determine your welding glove material.

 

All welding gloves are designed to be fire-resistant, flexible, durable, and waterproof. Two materials used for welding gloves are leather and synthetic. The more popular one, leather, is good for dispersing heat while maintaining flexibility, toughness, and resistance to water. The most common types of leather used for leather welding gloves are cowhide, sheepskin, goatskin, and pigskin. These types are cleaned the same way. 

 

leather welding gloves

How to Clean Leather Welding Gloves

1 Rough Clean

Before washing your leather gloves, you would need to “rough” clean them first, most especially if they are filthy or have visible debris like metal, cleaners, and others. Take a dry cloth and wipe your gloves down. Another way to rough clean is to take a toothbrush or soft-bristled wire brush to take off large chunks of debris off the gloves. 

 

2 Wash with cold water and Saddle Soap

After that, wash your leather welding gloves with cold water and saddle soap that is made especially to clean dirt and grime off of leather products, including welding gloves. Get your gloves into cold water and apply some saddle soap to the palm of the gloves. Work that soap into a lather and wash the gloves as if you were washing your hands. If there are areas with heavier grime, put some soap on the soiled areas and let sit for 30-45 seconds. 

 

3 Wipe

Once done, remove the dirty water and take a damp clean towel to wipe off the gloves. 

 

4 Rinse with cold water

Rinse the gloves with cold water in a utility sink. Cold water is important because it won’t affect the size of the glove. Hot water stretches the leather and might affect how the gloves fit. 

 

5 Hang them to dry

Now that your leather gloves are cleaned, squeeze the excess water off gently in a downward motion. Hang them to dry with some clothespins. Massage the gloves so the leather doesn’t stiffen. Keep doing this until it dries completely. You can also wear your leather welding gloves until they dry. This ensures a fit that molds to your hands, bringing optimum comfort.

 

6 Apply a leather conditioner

The next thing to do after washing and drying is to apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather smooth and supple. 

 

After all that, wash your hands. This might seem unnecessary but since you’ve got water inside your gloves while washing them, it is possible that the contaminants from the outside are now on your skin. So be sure to wash and dry your hands after washing your gloves. This helps you avoid chemicals or other debris from irritating your skin. 

 

Taking care of your leather welding jobs this way is paramount to keeping your working environment safe. With these steps, you’ll preserve the comfort and versatility of your leather welding gloves while extending their lifespan.

Waylander Leather Welding Gloves

Cool Gifts for Welders In Your Life

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gifts for welders

It’s Thanksgiving and that means Christmas is just around the corner. The question is – do you already have a gift for that welder in your life? It’s not that hard to please these men and women who work hard every day. But because of the nature of their job which can be tough, the least we could do for them is give them a gift that would surely make them know how much they are appreciated. Whether it’s for the holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries, we give you cool gifts for welders in your life. 

Cool Gifts for Welders in your Life

With so many things you could buy online, it can be a bit overwhelming to even start browsing the internet for what to buy. Here are some ideas that just might narrow down the choices you have. 

A Cool Leather Welding Jacket

First on the list is one that makes them look cool even while at work – the Waylander leather welding jacket. This is made with genuine split cowhide leather. It’s breathable, flame resistant, durable, and lightweight. This is hands down one of the best gifts you could give a welder. 

 

A 5 in 1 Leather Tool Holder

At the top of our list is a 5 in 1 Leather Tool Holder. All these words in one sentence just make sense. It’s handy, it can hold more tools, and it’s leather, which means it can last long. Have hammers, screwdrivers, or lumber crayons, pencils, and pliers all in one handy holder. This gives welders in your life the convenience they need and not to mention making it safer for them minimizing movement in the workplace. 

BBQ Grill Tool Set

If there’s another tool welders love using, it’s any tool to do some barbecue. Get them a BBQ grill toolset that is just as sexy as they are (wink wink). Nobody would even know they carry it with them since it comes in a metal briefcase. 

Waylander Welding Apparel

We’re not gonna lie, we want welders in your life to have that Waylander Welding apparel that looks absolutely cool for when they go out on any day. We’ve got hats and shirts that are great for that laid back weekend or that vacation you’ve planned for a long time. Let people know they’re one of the welders out there who know how to look good not just on the job. 

These five cool gifts for welders are sure to make the holidays extra special for them. If not on Thanksgiving or Christmas, any day would work. In fact, you can show them how much they’re appreciated any day of the year.

3 Factors To Consider in Buying the Best Welding Gloves

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3 Factors To Consider in Buying the Best Welding Gloves

welding gloves

With so many different kinds of welding gloves out there, it can be a challenge to choose the right one. Here we narrow down three factors to consider to make sure you get yourself the best welding gloves suited for you and the type of welding you do.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an estimated 562,000 employees are at risk or exposure to chemical and physical hazards of welding, cutting, and brazing. That’s why having the proper welding clothing and protective equipment should always be a priority. 

welding gloves

3 Factors to consider in buying the best welding gloves

Whatever the style or material you have in mind, the functional principle remains. Welding gloves are protective equipment made to allow digit articulation while protecting the hands of the welder from extreme heat, electrical shocks, or ultraviolet and infrared radiation. These also enhance grip and provide abrasion resistance. Now, before you go ahead and buy yourself a pair, consider these 3 factors. factors. apibus leo.

Type of Welding Gloves, welding glove material

The first thing you have to consider is to know the type of welding you do. This would dictate the kind of materials your welding gloves should be made of. There are those made for MIG welding, TIG welding, and Stick Welding. For each comes these three types of welding gloves. 

MIG Welding Gloves

In Metal Inert Gas or MIG welding, metal is joined together by electricity by forming an arc between the metal and the electrode. This means that there will be more sparks flying and could get a lot messy when grinding down the weld. The best MIG welding gloves then should give maximum protection while providing some dexterity. 

These can either be made of either pigskin, cowhide, or deerskin. Pigskin is a tough hide and works well in oily and wet conditions. Cowhide, on the other hand, is a well-known leather for protective clothing because of its durability. Deerskin is a supple soft hide that provides a nice dexterity perfect for MIG welding. 

Stick Welding gloves 

Stick welding is the most common type of welding which is used for the construction of heavy steel structures. It’s similar to MIG welding such that it also uses electricity creating an arc to join metals together. This type of welding job involves a lot of sparks and high heat as well and should, therefore, offer robust protection appropriate for the kind of job.

Stick welding gloves are made of either cowhide or elk hides. While both are great materials for stick welding, elk hides don’t harden as fast as cowhides when they are exposed to heat which means there is less hand fatigue making it the ideal pair for stick welding.  

TIG Welding Gloves

Tungsten Inert Gas or TIG welding is a very technical style of welding which requires a certain type of precision. TIG welding gloves are perfect for this type of welding job since it provides finger sensitivity while still giving the needed protection. 

The best TIG welding gloves are made of goatskin, horsehide, pigskin, and deerskin. Goatskin is soft and supple and offers great abrasion. Horsehide, on the other hand, is less popular than cowhide known also for its good dexterity. It’s comfortable, tough, and durable.

If you are out in the market for one that you can use not just for one particular type of welding job, you can opt for welding gloves that are uniquely crafted for TIG and MIG welders searching for a durable yet extraordinarily light design. The Waylander Welding gloves are forged to be resistant against rubbing and scraping while maintaining comfort and mobility.

welding gloves

The outside layer is made of leather goatskin, proven to have the highest tensile strength of any welding material with the addition of a suede leather cowskin cuffs. These gloves are also hemmed with Kevlar lining to provide extra strength in extreme conditions with rubber and leather reinforcements on the back and palm of the hand to increase grip and protection.

Type of Insulation 

Now that you know the type of welding gloves you need and you know the right material for it, you now move on to the type of insulation. Whatever type of welding you do, one thing is for sure, a lot of heat will be produced from the spark and heat of the torch which will then heat up your hands. The type of insulation is then necessary so you get maximum protection from your welding gloves. 

Cotton liner

Cotton liners are good insulators for moderate temperatures which are usually above 450°F. It can be bulky but is a good choice for those who aren’t looking to spend that much. 

Kevlar liner

Kevlar is well known for its resistance to heat and cuts. It doesn’t drip or melt even at temperatures reaching 800°F. Unlike cotton liners, they aren’t bulky which makes it perfect for welding jobs that require dexterity like TIG welding. 

Aluminized Backing

This type of insulation is perfect for stick welding which involves high heat. Aluminized backing helps deflect heat away from the hands which allows welders to work longer and perform better. 

Hand Movement

The last factor to consider in buying yourself the best welding gloves is hand movement. The level of dexterity you need depends on the type of welding job you do. For TIG welding, for example, you will need welding gloves that would give you a high level of dexterity since it requires a high level of precision. For MIG welding and Stick welding, you need low level of dexterity but higher heat protection. 

With so many types and designs of welding gloves in the market, it is easy to fall for ones that look nice. In the end, we regret going with style and less of the most important features and end up spending more and getting less of the quality you deserve. Keep in mind these three factors to consider in buying the best welding gloves and you end up with nothing but comfort, quality, durability and maximum hand protection. 

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