Welding is both an interesting and dangerous job. The risks associated with welding make it compulsory for welders to protect themselves. Safety in welding begins with a proper understanding of things that could possibly go wrong and making adequate preparation for when it happens.
Some of the risks include electric shock, injury to the eye, skin burn, death, and injuries associated with inhaling toxic fumes. This is why it’s important for welders to wear protective clothing, helmets, shields, and use the correct equipment at all times during any welding operation.
This article covers the necessary items every welder must wear when working. New apprentices in your workshop must be made to understand the importance of safety and follow it religiously. Not doing so would result in a catastrophic outcome. Check out some of these items below.
Gloves
Do you use your bare hands when performing welding jobs? If you do, you’re putting yourself, your colleagues, and clients at risk. There have been reports of welders getting serious burns from slags that tripped on their hands. This could have been easily avoided with a welding glove. The medical costs associated with such injuries are just too expensive especially if you’re yet to get insurance.
A typical welding glove is one safety item you should get immediately. It is heat-resistant, covers your hands up to your wrists, and keeps it insulated. It would easily fit over or under the arm cuff of your jacket. More so, they’re comfortable to work in.
Note that not every glove can be used for welding. There are specific types made for welders. These types are suitable for all your needs. You should be selective when getting gloves; they aren’t something a welder should work without.
Heat Resistant Jacket And Pants
Getting a jacket and pants for work is also quite important. This prevents your skin from being burnt when working. An added bonus is the fact that they make the jacket would make you look stylish and cool.
Go for a jacket that wouldn’t easily catch fire. Those would make it difficult for you to get burnt while working. Ensure your pockets are well shut to avoid debris jumping into them, it might be difficult to remove.
Try them out before purchasing to check if it fits your arm and torso length well; also making sure the end tip of the coat doesn’t get in the way when you squat. Clothes for welding shouldn’t be taken for granted, they protect your entire body not covered by the helmet or gloves. Pants are equally important; get those that don’t have cuffs at the far end of the leg opening. The legs should comfortably fit the shoe’s ankle and if possible overlap with two inches.
Protective Helmet
One of the most important things a welder would need is protection for their face. No one wants their pretty face designed with scars when you can avoid it, as such, damaging it isn’t an option. The same applies to your eyes, you need to protect them at all costs. A good helmet would protect both your eyes and face from getting injured including blinding light, sparks, debris, hot slag, and radiation.
Those are real dangers to welders when working. You never know when a spark or debris would burst towards you, and you shouldn’t take such chances. Don’t consider working without a helmet.
Go for a helmet that protects your face, eyes, and fits you well. You want something that sticks with you properly when working.
Ear Plugs
It is important to protect your ear when carrying out welding operations; shielding it from debris that might fly around. They could easily end up in uncomfortable places.
You should note that there are specific plugs for welding; fireproof plugs. They won’t get burnt easily. If you can get ear protection that fully covers up your ear, go for it.
Welding Boots
Welders can be called to work in any environment – from a slightly flooded area to one with live current among others. Being well-prepared when called upon in such situations is to your benefit. Your boots should be flame & slip resistant, be between 7-8 inches, has rubber soles, and still plated above the soles.
Not wearing the correct footwear makes you vulnerable to dangerous situations such as electrocution, penetration by sharp objects, and falls.
Safety is of the topmost importance in welding. Getting these items would ensure you are safe while you earn a living. Accidents can happen anytime; while it’s almost impossible to reverse their aftermath, you can prepare well to avoid unpleasant situations.
