Welding is a vital industrial process which is carried out safely by millions of welders every day. However, to ensure you are properly protected against hazards, you need to ensure you have the appropriate safety equipment and clothing.
Welding helmet
Welding helmets protect the head, neck and especially the eyes from various dangers associated with welding - most obviously any particles or small pieces of metal that might be thrown off, but also from ultra-violet radiation. This can cause a painful condition called arc eye, where the cornea becomes inflamed. Arc eye can last for a long time. The helmet includes a lens shade, a filter through which you can see to work but which protects your eyes. You should bear in mind that welding helmets can develop cracks which impair their ability to protect against radiation, so you should inspect them regularly.
Fire-resistant clothing
Welders are very susceptible to burns from the high temperature of the equipment or the molten metal itself. These burns happen without warning and are often the result of lax safety procedures. By wearing fire-resistant clothing, you will be protected from burns, and it will provide further protection against radiation. You should not allow yourself to be tempted to roll your sleeves up or do without fire-resistant clothing for small jobs.
Ear defenders
Welding can be very noisy, to an extent that can damage the ears, especially with prolonged exposure. To avoid the risk of hearing loss, you should always use ear defenders while welding, and they should ideally be fire resistant to further protect you against sparks or small pieces of molten metal.
Respirator
Welding can expose you to toxic fumes and gases which can damage your lungs. Breathing in these fumes can lead to conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, metal fume fever (a condition where the fumes produce flu-like symptoms) and can even lead to cancer. A good respirator is vital to protect yourself from these fumes and to ensure that your occupation does not damage your overall health.
Safety boots
Boots with steel toecaps will protect your toes from any falling debris, and rubber soles will also keep you safe from electric shocks from your equipment, which can cause serious injury or even death.
Welding is a safe activity, providing you protect yourself from the various hazards. Use the right protective clothing and equipment, and you will know you are not taking unnecessary risks.
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