Welding cloth is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that uses fire-resistant and thermally insulating materials to protect welders from metal splatter and high heat. The American Welding Society issued several recommendations regarding welding and cutting protective clothing in May of 2008. Welding apparel, according to Safety and Health Fact Sheet No. 33, should allow for freedom of movement while covering all areas of exposed skin. Long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover the tops of your boots are recommended. The fabric should be heavy cotton or wool with no holes, tears, or frayed edges. Let’s take a look and explore more on the different materials for welding clothing.
Welding cloth materials include:
The following are the best materials for welding clothing:
Cotton: Cotton welding clothing offers cost-effective protection from flames, sparks, and molten splash. FR cotton has been chemically treated to be heat resistant. Cotton fabric dresses are a lightweight, breathable alternative to leather. For up to 50 washings, the material remains flame resistant.
Leather: Premium heavy side split cow leather is used to make welding leather clothing. Chrome tanned for softness and durability, as well as resistance to heat, sparks, slag, and cuts. All seams are sewn with Kevlar thread and double lock stitched.
Denim: While not ideal for welding, denim is a thick, rugged material that will protect welders in low-volume, low-intensity operations.
Rubber: Rubber is not commonly used in welding jackets or caps, but it is used in welding chaps, boots, and boot covers.
Synthetic Materials: Synthetic materials are dangerous because they melt and cause severe burns to your skin. Sparks and slag will damage cotton clothing, but cotton will simply smolder.
Benefits of Welding Cloth:
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To protect against UV radiation, hot metal, sparks, and open flames, welding cloth is made of heavyweight, tightly woven 100% wool or cotton.
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To protect the neck, wear long-sleeved shirts with buttoned cuffs and a collar. Light is reflected less when dark colors are used.
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To prevent sparks from entering high top boots, they must be fully laced.
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It prevents sparks from bouncing in the top of the boots by wearing fire-resistant boot protectors or spats strapped around the pant legs and boot tops.
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It protects the wrists and forearms when worn with gauntlet-style cuff leather gloves or protective sleeves of similar material.
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If kept dry, leather is an excellent electrical insulator.
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When standing or sitting, wearing a leather apron protects one’s chest and lap from sparks.
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For wearing multiple layers of clothing. It keeps you from sweating and keeps you from overdressing in cold weather.
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To protect your head from burns and UV radiation, wear a fire-resistant skull cap or balaclava hood under your helmet.
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A welder’s face shield is useful in protecting your face from UV radiation and flying particles.
Welding Cloth Disadvantages
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Sweaty clothing allows heat to escape quickly.
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If you are overdressed, leather welding jackets are not very breathable and can cause you to sweat.
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For wearing synthetic or synthetic blend clothing. The synthetic fabric can burn quickly, melt, and cause severe skin burns.
Welding Cloth Reminders:
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Maintain clean clothing that is free of oils, greases, and combustible contaminants.
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Close shirt pockets with tape or keep them covered with flaps to avoid collecting sparks or hot metal.
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Pant legs must be cuffed and cover the tops of the boots. Sparks can be collected by cuffs.
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Mend any frayed edges, tears, or holes in your clothing.
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Remove all ignition sources from your pockets, including matches and butane lighters.
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Hot welding sparks may ignite leaking lighter fuel or light the matches.
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Any spark spray should be directed away from your clothing.
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Wear no rings or other jewelry.