Welding is an occupation that requires physical strength and good hand-eye coordination. It involves working with powerful machines to craft metal for buildings, vehicles, ships and pipes. Because of the dangerous and high-stress nature of the job, it’s important for welders to have the proper welding safety equipment to keep them safe at work. Here are some of the most important pieces of PPE that welders should always wear:
Eye Protection
Welders must use clear safety glasses when near welding or cutting areas. They should also wear specially shaded goggles that are matched to the type of welding process that they are using. For example, a darker filter lens is needed for gas metal arc welding than for oxyacetylene welding. It’s also a good idea to have an extra pair of clear safety glasses handy in case one gets damaged or lost while on the job.
For welding and cutting, welders should always wear gloves. This is to protect their hands from molten metal spatter and sparks. They should also use gloves that are fire-resistant. The best types of gloves are leather, which is able to resist fire and high temperatures.
A flame-retardant welding jacket is another essential piece of protective clothing for welders. They are designed to protect welders from flash fire and electric arc burn injuries. It is also recommended that welders wear a cap to protect their heads from slag and hot metal splatter. Long hair should be tied back, and jewelry should not be worn.
It’s also a good idea to wear flame-resistant pants. Welding pants are designed to be flame resistant, insulating and durable enough to keep welders warm in cold environments. Welding pants are available in a variety of styles, from leggings to pants. Leggings are used for low-volume welding and provide less protection than pants, which are better suited to professional welding jobs.
Welders should always wear safety boots that are rated for the environment in which they will be working. For example, a small welding shop might only require composite toe boots, while a shipyard that moves multiple tons of heavy metal may need steel toe boots for added protection.
In addition to these safety items, welders should always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. They should also use an electrical grounding cord when working around power lines, and they should never use a generator or other power tools in wet conditions, which can cause electrocution.
With the right equipment, welding can be a challenging but rewarding career. If you’re interested in learning more about the skills required to become a welder, contact Atlas Welding Supply at one of our locations in Birmingham or Tuscaloosa. Our experienced team is happy to help you get started in this fascinating and rewarding industry. Our welding supplies include everything you need to get started, including a wide selection of welding guns and accessories. We look forward to helping you find the perfect welding tool for your next project.