Since welding involves using heat to bond various metals together, it is important that you wear welding clothes material that is specific for the job, specifically welding PPE and other safety gear at all times. This entails dressing in attire that is advised for usage when working in a hot environment.
Natural fibers, of which cotton is formed entirely of, are recommended for welding since they are less combustible and easier to put out than synthetic fibers.
Clothing made of cotton that has been chemically treated to make it flame-resistant (FR) also provides reasonably priced defense against flames, sparks, and molten splash.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of cotton while welding.
Benefits of Cotton for Welding
1.) Cotton fabrics are resistant to fire. Cotton burns more slowly than synthetic materials, therefore if your cotton shirt catches fire, you can put it out quickly with your glove.
2.) Cotton is good for welding protection- In applications with moderate sparks and spatter, a FR cotton jacket can provide a good balance of protection and comfort.
3.) Cotton is comfortable – Flame resistant cotton is popular because it is reasonably priced, lightweight, and breathable, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable while welding.
4.) Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic. Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic. Welding requires working with heat, which causes sweating. This sweat causes irritation and discomfort because it can cause rashes and skin allergies.
Therefore, wearing cotton clothes will keep the body free of rashes and allergies as it lets your skin breathe.
5.) Cotton requires little care. A lot of sparks are produced during welding, which can damage a lot of your clothing.
It’s a good thing cotton isn’t expensive, because replacing it won’t break the bank. However, make sure to protect your skin from burns.
6.) Cotton is a flexible fabric that can be used to create a variety of garments, including flame-resistant gloves, jackets, pants, and shirts for welders.
FAQs
Why shouldn’t you wear nylon and polyester-based synthetic textiles while welding?
Polyester and nylon are not flame resistant, and instead of catching fire, they dissolve and pull away from the flame.
And when these materials catch fire, they burn less quickly than cotton and have a tendency to melt, which hurts your skin more.
Is Cotton really safe to use when welding?
FR cotton garments are considered safe for welding because they are breathable and do not easily catch fire. They’re also lightweight and comfortable, which is useful when welding, which is a physically demanding job.
Keeping all of this in mind, we should also keep in mind that, while cotton clothing is considered safe, it still is not as safe as leather, which is more sturdy and durable.