What to Know About Welding PPE & Protecting Yourself
There’s more to welding than just machines and materials. The right safety equipment is essential. Yet not all are created equal. With endless choices, how do you know what you truly need and the factors to consider when picking out personal protective equipment, aka PPE? Here’s a look at a few must-haves:
Head & Neck Protection
When it comes to head and neck protection, many welders use a fire-retardant cotton bandana or skull cap. A balaclava sock hood is another option if it’s made with fire-retardant materials.
Helmets
There is an array of choices for today’s helmets, providing protection from sparks and both UV and infrared rays. When you’re exploring your choices, consider:
• The size of the viewing area
• Optical quality
• Whether it’s a fixed passive shade filter or an adjustable automatic darkening filter (ADF)
• ADF control functions
• Comfort and fit
• If it’s compatible with a PAPR (powered air-purifying respirator)
Even with a helmet, it’s still important to wear secondary, welding-specific eye protection.
Gloves
These must fit comfortably and be thin enough to put your welding skills to use, yet thick enough to fully cover your hand and lower forearm. Options include cowhide leather or goat, deer or sheepskin.
Keep in mind: the higher the amperage you’re welding at, the heavier-duty gloves you’ll need. Whatever you choose, this is not an area where you should be looking for the least expensive product.
Jackets
These give you protection from sparks and hot slag that can come your way when you least expect it. They also provide protection against UV and infrared rays. The welding process you’re using, amperage and position – as well as the temperature and environment you’ll be welding in – should be factored into your choice.
Boots
Finding a great pair of boots can take time, but it’s worth it for protection. These should be rubber soled with a steel plate above the sole. They should also be at least ankle high.