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.
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.
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.