| Beyond the welding torch and equipment that the | | | | electricity and heat, and it has to be opaque so it |
| welder uses to do their work, there is also a need | | | | protects your eyes from the light. The cover |
| for specific welding gear and personal protective | | | | plate on the outside has to be made of plastic |
| equipment to make sure that welder is safe. | | | | that is polycarbonate because this is the only type |
| There are a variety of things that are important | | | | of plastic that will protect from UV rays. |
| to safety. Here are some of the most important: | | | | The helmet should have a lens filter that is glass |
| Gloves -- although you may see some welders | | | | that has a filler that protects you from the light |
| who do not use gloves, they are an essential part | | | | that goes through your eyes. The filters range |
| of any welder's clothing. These protect your | | | | from #2-#14 with the helmet being darker as the |
| hands from sparks, burns and electric shock. You | | | | numbers get higher. This is a matter of |
| can find them in form fitting models that help | | | | preference in terms of how dark you want the |
| your hands stay flexible and you can get them | | | | helmet filter. |
| lined or unlined. Gauntlet gloves will also protect | | | | Boots - make sure your boots are fire retardant |
| your wrists and upper arms. | | | | and that they are high tops because they will |
| Hats or doo rags -- both of these types of things | | | | protect you from sparks. Make sure also that you |
| are worn for the same purpose. A doo rag is just | | | | lace them all the way and put your pant legs into |
| the wrap that looks like a scarf that wraps | | | | the boots. These are extra precautions that will |
| around the head. A welding hat or doo rag is | | | | keep you safe when you are welding. |
| worn to absorb sweat and resist sparks from | | | | Respirators -- when you are in an environment |
| your welding work. Usually you can get these in a | | | | where ventilation isn't good, you need to use a |
| variety of colors and patterns. Most hats will | | | | respirator. If they do not provide them they |
| protect your ears as well as your head. | | | | should be able to tell you the type you need for |
| Helmets -- a welding helmet has several functions | | | | compliance. |
| for your safety. It protects your head and face | | | | General safety precautions -- Be sure that you |
| from sparks and provides protection to your | | | | are wearing the right clothes when welding. Make |
| eyes from the flash and intense heat of the | | | | sure clothes are made from a heavy 100% |
| flame. You are also protected in some respects | | | | cotton or wool and that the fabric is woven |
| from breathing in the fumes. Some are solar | | | | tightly. This will protect against open flames and |
| powered or darken as a result of the exposure | | | | any hot metal that sparks. Do not wear |
| to the flare of the flame. According to OSHA | | | | synthetics as they are easy to catch on fire. |
| standards, the helmet shell has to be resistant to | | | | |