Welding Helmets

Metal fume concentrations inside the welding helmet and in the personal breathing zone in 23 experimental welding exposures were studied to explore whether welding helmets use substantially attenuates exposure to airborne metal fume. Observations produced a mean ratio of inside to outside metal fume concentrations of 0.9 +/- S.D. 0.2 with a highly variable effect. Iron fume concentration was inversely correlated with this ratio, representing greater helmet-associated attenuation with heavier exposure.

A study was conducted to compare the iron oxide fume concentrations inside and outside the helmets of welders. Airborne iron oxide fume concentrations were determined simultaneously at four body locations--the left front shoulder, right front shoulder, front chest, and inside the helmet--during welders' normal activity. Results indicate that the fume concentrations at the actual breathing zone inside helmets are reduced to 36%-71% of concentrations outside the helmets, depending on the type of welding and employees' postures.

View area: 90*40mm
Cartridge size: 350*220*180mm
UV Transmittance:0.00006%

* Always wear safety glasses or goggles under a welding helmet or faceshield to protect workers from particles.
* Also protect the eyes of the cutter’s or welder’s helper and bystanders with lenses designed to protect against cutting or welding light.
* Use the darkest shade of lens possible:
Torch soldering
Torch brazing/cutting
Gas welding
Electric arc welding
* Use ANSI Z136 eye protection for laser light hazards.

Solar powered;
View area:90*40mm
Shade no in dark state:9-13#
Response time:0.1ms

These data suggest that welding helmet use provides marginal and highly variable reductions in fume exposure and cannot substitute for standard respiratory protection.