Pipeline welding and being in the oil and gas industry can be a very challenging but rewarding job. The truth is, whatever environment you work in as long as you weld, you expose yourself to different hazards. But being in the pipeline industry just comes with its own unique challenges. Because of that, it pays to know what kind of hazards you face on the job and what kind of pipeline welding clothing you need.
Pipeline Welding Hazards and Pipeline Welding Clothing
Electric Shock
Arc welding is done almost every day at pipelines. This exposes you to electric shock from the arc between the electrode and the base material that fuse the materials together.
As a pipeline welder, you should know better than skimp on high-quality welding PPE. Your job puts you more at risk and that means you need to invest in the right welding gear to protect you from electricity. That includes extremely spark and heat-resistant or flame-resistant welding clothing made of premium leather materials. Make sure you add high-quality welding gloves and dry gloves to that investment and make sure you wear them all the time!
Extreme Weather
Harsh weather conditions are one of the biggest enemies you encounter as a pipeline welder because much of the work is done outdoors. You can either work in a hot or humid environment or in a place where the temperature can get really low. Some work on ocean platforms while others work on rigs where they encounter strong winds.
To protect yourself from extreme weather conditions, go for warm, heat-resistant welder gear and get extreme climate FR insulated coveralls.
If you work in cold temperatures, get welding PPE for winter. But if you’re a pipeline welder working in a hot or humid environment, get welding PPE welders use in the summer.
Eye Protection
Pipeline welders like you work on or near oil rigs. Whenever pipeline repairs are done, you are exposed to flying debris, harmful sparks, and metal projectiles in dusty conditions. Other than that, you are exposed to UV rays from the welding arc and the sun.
You need the proper eye and head protection like safety glasses or goggles, a welding cap, welding hoods, helmets, and shields that auto-darkening and anti-fog features.
Welding Splatter and molten Metal
This is always a concern as long as you are a welder. The proper pipeline welding clothing you need to protect you from welding splatter or molten metal would be a proper FR welding jacket, a welding face mask, a high-quality welding apron, welding spats or show protectors, and the right welding gloves.
Sharp Objects
Working as a pipeline welder, you are exposed to extremely sharp objects and surfaces when you move parts and adjust welded objects. One wrong move and you get injured.
A way for you to protect yourself is to get cut-protection gloves. Make sure you buy the right welding gloves preferably one made with leather and Kevlar. That way, you get the flexibility and protection you need.
Risky Work Positions
Whether you are suspended in the air or you work on an ocean platform, you know you have some risky work positions and these cannot be avoided. Make sure you get crush protection gear. These are the back-of-hand protection you need as a pipe welder. All you need are a pair of impact gloves. According to the International Safety Equipment Association, there is a standard for hand protection that addresses the abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture performance of gloves.
How to care for Pipeline Welding Clothing
As a pipeline welder, you should know how to care for welding clothing. You need to learn how to clean a welder’s work clothes like how to get rid of welding dust/coal dirt, how to clean heavily soiled or heavily stained welding clothing, and how to get grease stains out of welding PPE that has been dried. You also need to learn more about how to wash FR clothing. That way you ensure that your welding clothing lasts longer.
