Welding safety starts with having the proper protective gear from top to bottom. Although more attention is given to protecting the welder’s head and body, it’s the legs that are being taken for granted. However, even your lower limbs need protection, without a doubt. So, to protect your legs while welding, you’ll need good quality welding spats that keep spatter and slag out of your shoes. This article will tell you more about welding spats and why you need them in any welding job you do.
What are welding spats and what are they for?
Welding spats are shoe covers that protect your legs from sparks, spatter, and extreme heat associated with the welding process. They’re strapped around your pant legs and boot tops to protect sparks from bouncing in the top of your boots. At the same time, they protect you from sparks that may fall on your feet. Remember, though, even if you’re using spats, it is still a good idea to make sure you have durable shoes under them to offer another layer of protection.
Some spats wrap entirely around your boot with special hooks that keep them in place. Others go up to your leg with coverings over the top of your toe. Whichever you choose, just make sure that they fit nicely over the shoes you are wearing to ensure full protection.
What to look for in welding spats
First things first, choose premium leather welding spats. You’ll want to go for cowhide split leather for this because it is lightweight and allows flexibility. It is also oil-resistant, moisture-proof, and is more durable. Since this protective equipment is used for all sorts of welding applications, including grinding, construction, torch, cutting, metal fabrication, and more, you’ll need spats that provide flexibility and durability with good heat and abrasion resistance.
Since welding spats are designed to protect, the stitching is equally important. Check that the welding spats are stitched with fire-resistant thread like super-strong Kevlar thread because this provides an extra spark and abrasion resistance. Another essential thing to be particular with is the length. Finally, be sure that the spats give the most coverage for your welding boots. It is also better if your footwear is covered on both sides and from your toe to your leg.
Welding spats should also feel comfortable when wearing them. The rear of the legging should have adjustable hook-and-loop closures for superior fit. It is also ideal to have straps underneath that ensure that the shoe cover stays in place while maintaining coverage. But, again, it’s the little things that matter when it comes to safety.
Welding spats are essential for protection during the harshest conditions on the job. Using and wearing welding safety equipment is important because the job is hazardous. At any time, welders are exposed to metal fumes, UV radiation, cuts, shocks, abrasions, and burns. This is why it is important always to wear work gear that complies with set safety standards. You will also need to choose only the highest grade materials for protecting the most important part of the job — You.
