Welding plays an important role in the building sector. This is because every building project depends on the welding sector to frame it. No matter how big or little the construction is, you’ll need welders to come in and fuse every metal component. Construction of bridges, agricultural and farming facilities, as well as structures also need welding. Moreover, it is used in pipelines for natural gas and petroleum.
Also, it’s crucial to build iron structures close to bodies of water. Because conventional fasteners like nuts and bolts cannot be used to join two pieces of metal, these constructions may corrode. In this situation, welding is the best method for joining the metals together. Welders, like other professions, must prioritize their safety and put on the proper protective gear.
Checklist for Must-Have Welding PPE
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), all employees or individuals directly involved in welding or cutting operations shall be provided with goggles, helmets, or head shields fitted with appropriate filter lenses, hand shields, and appropriate aprons.
Besides that, gloves, goggles, or any other essential protective apparel must be provided to anyone immediately helping with welding or cutting operations.
By providing approved respiratory protective equipment, a local exhaust system, and a general ventilation system to keep fumes, gases, and dust within permitted concentrations or threshold limit values, the DOLE also requires that people welding or cutting in confined spaces be protected from inhaling any fumes, gases, or dust.
Whether you want to use your newly acquired skills for DIY projects or pursue welding as a career, you need the right tools and equipment. Let’s dig deeper into your welding PPE checklist!
1. Welding Goggles
While welding or cutting, the welder’s eyes are momentarily protected by welding goggles. This safety gear is meant to shield the eyes from sparks from flying welding debris as well as heat and visible radiation.
The welding process always generates strong ultraviolet and infrared waves as visible light waves. Yet, UV and infrared radiation can also harm the eyes of welders when it is received indirectly.
Be aware that welding goggles are available with a range of lens numbers to suit your particular needs. Arc welding cannot be done with filters made for gas welding. because deeper lens colors must be used while arc welding.
2. Welding Helmets
A welding helmet, commonly referred to as a “hood,” is one of the most important pieces of personal protection equipment a welder must wear. The perfect helmet protects the eyes and skin not just from sparks but also from ultraviolet light, which can impair eyesight, and infrared rays generated by the arc.
Welding helmets are now offered in a selection of eye-catching hues and designs. Yet, this aesthetic aspect is combined with an utilitarian aspect that calls for a lightweight helmet that can be worn comfortably for an entire day of work. The ideal helmet weighs about 20 oz less to reduce the chance of neck soreness or fatigue after wearing it all day.
3. Welding Hats
The next item of welding safety gear is welding headgear, which protects the welder’s head and hair.
This piece of equipment’s main function is to increase safety while reducing the discomfort associated with a welding helmet. To lessen the chance of a flame, cotton and cotton thread are frequently used in the stitching of welding helmets.
4. Welding Gloves Welding PPE
Welding Gloves are advised to protect the hands of welders. They include greater welder grip and protection from electric shock, extreme heat, UV, and infrared radiation.
For a welding technique involving high temperatures, leather welding gloves are a great option. Based on how durable they are, these gloves are separated into three groups. To begin with, TIG welding gloves are made of goat, cow, or pork skin. Conversely, MIG welding gloves are made of pig, cow, or deerskin. Use leather welding gloves made from deer or cow leather as a last step.
5. Welding Apron
The best welding aprons should be made from sturdy materials like cowhide or pig skin. A plastic or polyester apron should never be used or worn when welding since it could melt into the welder’s skin. A flame-resistant apron is the best choice when the welder’s job necessitates regular exposure to high heat or open flames.
The two most popular types of welding aprons are the half apron, which covers the waist down, and the full apron, which covers the entire front side of the welder and resembles a chef’s apron. The main materials for aprons were heavy denim and cotton.
6. Welding Jacket
When making a choice, the welder must examine the advantages and disadvantages of each type of welding attire.
When working in an environment where extreme heat, strong sparks, and the threat of molten metal are present all the time, you must wear a fire-resistant jacket. Among the most popular materials for apparel are leather and flame-resistant cotton.
Cotton coats can offer the perfect balance of ease, affordability, and protection. The drawback of this type of jacket is that not all welding operations can be adequately protected by it. Due to its great fire resistance and capacity to keep welders safe, leather jackets have long been considered essential for welding.
7. Welding Boots
For welding work, a pair of shoes that can withstand sparks and heavy objects landing on a welder’s feet is essential. At first glance, welding boots resemble conventional boots, but the leather that covers the laces and the top distinguishes them.
A good pair of welding boots should serve two main goals. It’s important to remember that leather welding boots are heat- and water-resistant. First of all, when the welder is working, welding boots prevent the foot from aching or going numb for extended periods of time. As a result, the welder is able to weld effortlessly under the best circumstances.
8. Hearing Protection/Earplugs
By nature, welding is a noisy process. Ear muffs or earplugs are required as part of your hearing protection as a welder in order to drown out noise while you work.
The three most popular varieties of hearing protection are earplugs, semi-insert earplugs, and earmuffs. Noise level is one consideration while choosing hearing protection. The most important aspect, however, is that the welder must feel comfortable wearing the hearing protection and that it must keep noise out of his or her ears.
9. Welding Respirator
Metal oxide particles, which form a residue after the welding process, are incredibly minute and dense in welding gases. The amount of weld fumes depends on a number of variables, including the type of metal used and the welding procedure.
The greatest solution for protection is a welding respirator. The right welding respirator must be chosen by all welders, novice and expert alike.
There are numerous designs that can be employed right now to limit the amount of smoke in the office. They include provided air respirators, powered water purifying respirators, and half-mask respirators. By using a breathing mask, a welder can reduce their risk of developing serious health issues such metal fume fever, bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer.
