Body Protection While Welding

Welders should also wear clothing that will protect them against bums from hot sparks or metal. Very hot work calls for protective leather aprons, leggings, and sleeves. Street clothes are acceptable for some welding jobs, if you follow these precautions:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts. Arc welders should wear clothing made of heavy material to protect against ultraviolet rays.


• Keep collars and cuffs buttoned.


• Do not wear clothes with cuffs or open pockets that could catch sparks.


• Wear high shoes, and keep pant legs over them to keep sparks out.


• Wear flame-resistant head covers.


• Wear clean clothes-grease or oil spots could be flammable.


• Do not wear flammable hair preparations.


• Never carry flammable items, such as cigarette lighters, on your person when involved in any welding process.
  
  
• For arc welders, special dry welder’s gloves are a must to protect against shock to the hands or electrocution.

Some welding jobs also call for wearing respirators to protect against inhaling fumes and gases. There are special welding respirators available. Follow the instructions of the welding equipment manufacturers, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for any gas or materials used in a welding operation, and your safety department in choosing the correct respirator. As with any respirator, it should be properly fit-tested for the individual wearer, and each employee must be trained in its use.