Whether auto repair is your day job or you’re maintaining your pride and joy, it’s possible you will need to carry out some welding on a smaller or greater scale at some point. Whether it’s a hobby or paid job, you need to ensure you are properly protected before welding. Here’s an overview of the different elements of safety equipment necessary for welding.
Face protection
A welding mask is the most obvious piece of equipment which comes to mind when considering safety. It is essential to protect your eyes, face and neck from dangers such as burns and sparks. Damage from ultraviolet light does not need long to take effect and damage your skin, so it is important to keep it on for the duration of the welding and ensure it covers as much of your head and neck as possible.
Hand protection
Welding gloves have much the same purpose as a mask but your hands tend to be closer to the hazard and, as a result, more susceptible to burns. A heat resistant pair will allow you to work for a little longer on your car without your hands suffering. Gloves come in many different varieties, each catering to a preferred style. When working on a car, it may be in your best interests to favour maneuverability. A cowhide glove may be an ideal choice, especially given they are also reasonably flexible and will stay comfortable for extended periods of time.
Foot protection
A good safety boot will keep you comfortable and provide an extra level of protection for you feet. It’s important to consider comfort and maneuverability in a work boot but you should also consider the level of protection they will provide against impact from heavy objects – a reinforced safety toe is ideal here. Like gloves, there are different kinds of safety boots to consider. Avoid anything with laces, as they are more likely to trap heat and the laces are a fire risk if sparks fly during your work.
Body protection
You may already be wearing a protective layer but a welding apron is another piece of equipment you shouldn’t be forgetting about. They’re flame resistant and keep your body safe from sparks. If you feel like your legs would be exposed, invest in a longer apron and rest assured you’re properly protected. If you feel like you’d be irritated by the material around your legs, consider how much you will need to move around. If you want to limit how often you’d wander away from your work, there are aprons with pockets for bits and pieces.
Hearing protection
Don’t make hearing protection an afterthought. Whether you’re on your own or in a factory, welding can be very loud. This is a more essential piece of equipment for people working around other welders as the increased noise level will pose significant risk to your hearing. If you feel like earplugs would fall out, there is the bigger earmuff option. Be sure to look at pairs which are heat and flame resistant. They must also fit well with your welding mask.