Welding uses high heat to melt and fuse metals together. Sound dangerous? It can be without the proper equipment. Out of many industry professionals, welders are pretty well-known for following strict safety guidelines. Check out this checklist for welding accessories and safety equipment.
A Quality Helmet with Eye Protection
First and foremost, no welder can work without a quality helmet. Your eyes and face are perhaps the most susceptible to injury while welding. You want a helmet with a snug fit that does not wiggle. A proper helmet will protect your eyes and face from:
- Sparks
- Bright, damaging light
- Debris and hot slag
- Radiation
Respirator or Lung Protection
Many new welders make the mistake of skipping a respirator. Welding inevitably will produce gases which can cause lung damage and can even cause you to pass out while working. These gasses are often invisible, therefore it is important that you take the proper precautions against them.
Your choice of respiratory or lung protection equipment might depend on the area you are working in. If you are working in a well-ventilated or outdoor setting, you can likely get by with a small face mask or even a simple dust mask.
Gloves
If you want to keep all your fingers and prevent nasty burns, you’ll need a good pair of welding gloves. When choosing welding gloves, look for these features:
- Comfortable and easy to move
- Cover your hands and wrists completely – either over or under your jacket cuffs
- Insulated and heat resistant
Some gloves are made specifically for welders and will cover all your needs. Invest in a quality pair, you’ll be happy you did.
Jackets and Pants
Save your skin and protect your clothing from heat and sparks with a quality jacket. Look for something marked of leather or listed as flame retardant. Skip the pockets. If you do find a good jacket with pockets, close them securely with tape or clamps while you work. Should a stray piece of metal jump into your pocket as you work, it’s not only difficult but dangerous to remove.
When choosing work pants, make sure they do not have a cuff to collect stray debris. Again, these can be dangerous. Your pant leg should fit over the ankle support of your shoes to block hot slag and prevent burns. You should also ensure that the arm and torso length fits well on your jacket. You don’t want extra-long sleeves or pant legs getting in the way or bare skin sticking out as you move.
Work Boots
Last on our list is work boots. There are tons of varieties to choose from. Remember that when welding, you may be working near an open flame or live current. Ground yourself to stay protected from burns or electric shock. It’s also a good idea to choose a boot with a steel toe to protect yourself from dropped metal pieces.
In general, your work boots should include:
- A rubber sole
- A steel plate above the sole
- Ankle support and coverage past the ankle
- Sturdy, flame-retardant materials
- Slip-resistant bottoms
At CWMF Corporation, we believe excellence is the result of intention, effort, and skilled execution. To fulfill these values and stay fiercely committed to quality, we need a dedicated team and the best equipment in every interaction. If you’d like to learn more about our services, contact us today!
