When it seems impossible to ensure welders’ safety, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) stands as the crucial last line of defense. It’s the essential shield that protects welders from the known hazards they face.
The welders who operate and who are subjected to the risk of welding must wear different types of Personal Protective Equipment. This will prevent numerous risks that welders experience every day. Check out the six most essential ways wearing protective gear can make welders safer.
1. Protect Hands
Hand protection can be said to be much needed during the welding process. Flashing sparks, heat, and sharp objects are experienced throughout the day. Welders will need different types of gloves to perform welding for an extended duration of a day.
Welders have a variety of hand protection options to choose from, each offering reliable protection against the various risks and dangers they face. These include cut-resistant gloves, welding gloves, hand shields, and leather gloves. In cases of chemical exposure, the SDS provides the necessary protection.
2. Protect Skin
Skin protection is also described as an essential factor. Welder’s clothing should be composed of a cotton or wool fabric of a tight weave, which makes them flame resistant. Clothing from polyester, acetate, or acrylic may not be blended with cotton or wool. It’s because these materials are flammable and burn on the skin when melted.
3. Protect Eyes and Face
Welders need to cover their eyes and face against UV light, hot spatter, sparks, and flying particles. The good news is that there’s a variety of eye and face protection options available. While at work, a welder may require different types of welding hoods.
As a professional welder, you’ll have numerous options available. You can choose a pancake hood, sugar scoop hood, auto-darkening helmet, or any other type of helmet or hood.
Additionally, welding beanies, face shields, safety glasses, and safety goggles also protect the eyes of welders from various risks and dangers while at work.
4. Offer Individual Booths
Furthermore, where possible and feasible, the welder should be confined in an individual booth for work. This is not just a safety measure; it’s a way of showing that your well-being is a priority.
The booth should be made up of fireproof UV-protective-rated screens or curtains. Booths, curtains, and screens enable fresh air to pass through at floor level.
People in the proximity of the welding areas might require protection from rays by UV screens/shields, or the workers might need to wear safety goggles/glasses. Welding out in the facility may also require a “Hot Work” permit for fire prevention purposes.
5. Protect Feet
The welder’s feet must also be protected from falling objects such as hot slag and flying sparks. High-top shoes made of leather will give you the optimum foot protection.
Be sure to opt for closed-toed shoes to protect your feet from injuries and burns. Welding spats and other heat-resistant foot/leg covers can serve an added purpose as protectors.
6. Prevent Hearing Loss
Wearing hearing protection is not just about safety; it’s also about your comfort. It’s usually necessary to minimize exposure to noise risks generated during welding.
Suppose a welder has occupational hearing loss risks over 85 dBA (decibels on the A scale of a sound level meter). In that case, a hearing conservation plan must be put in place. There is a wide range of earplugs and earmuffs that can help prevent hearing loss while still maintaining comfort.
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