For high-risk jobs, wearing protective clothing and using safety gear is essential for your safety and health. PPE is recommended for welders because of high temperatures, unpredictable sparks, and eye-damaging light. If you are starting out in your welding career, you may wonder what PPE is best for those in your industry. There are many different types of protective gear and brands that may claim they are the best on the market, making it hard for people to choose the best option. Here are some of our recommendations on PPE that may seem less important or have a variety of options, some of which may be better than others. 

What Is PPE?

PPE stands for personal protective equipment and is specialized gear that minimizes harm to workers. Depending on your industry, PPE may protect workers from illness, burns, injury, infections, or long-term damage to eyes, ears, lungs, and skin. These barriers are developed by professional companies and are vetted by organizations like OSHA and the FDA. All personal protective equipment will provide optimal protection and will be safe to use before they ever hit the market, but some options may be better suited for welders specifically. 

Face Shield

Most welders know they need to wear welding helmets to protect their eyes and face, but adding a face shield can add an additional layer of protection from sparks that may fly when cutting or grinding metal. Wearing a face shield underneath a welding helmet protects smaller exposed parts of your face or neck that a welding helmet may leave exposed. 

Leather Welding Gloves

Cowhide leather is one of the best materials for welding PPE because it is highly resistant to heat and won’t crack under these conditions. You may also be able to find lightweight options that feel more breathable and malleable than other traditional welding gloves. It is important to know that flame-retardant materials that are breathable have a shorter lifespan than other leather gloves. 

Choosing The Right Lens Technology

Welding helmets are the most common PPE in the welding industry, but learning about different types of lenses can help you find the right combination for your everyday work. There are typically three types of lens technology, including shaded mineral glass, a combination of fixed and flip-up lenses with a high UV/IR filter, or a liquid crystal display that changes as the welding light becomes brighter. Passive welding helmets often feature just one piece of shaded mineral glass, but more intensive options may allow you to control the shade and protection depending on the job. 

Respirator

For any worker who is grinding, cutting, welding, or crafting, wearing a respirator will prevent your lungs from getting filled up with toxic gases and small metal particles. Respirators help you avoid many types of cancer, lung damage, and damage to your immune system. While wearing a welding helmet and respirator may feel uncomfortable to many, these PPE options are best if you plan to remain in this career long-term. 

Boots

Leather boots are something welders may overlook since most of their work happens with their hands and arms. However, sparks, hot metal, and falling objects are common in welding shops or out in the field. Leather protective boots will protect your skin and bones from damage from pieces of hot metal or heavy tools that may be accidentally dropped. 

ADF Controls

As previously mentioned, ADF controls can be used to help welders control the darkness and sensitivity of their welding helmet during different products. These technological helmets allow the user to adjust the sensitivity depending on the welding light and outside light if you are working on the go. If you frequently switch from low to high amperage applications, using this technology can save you time switching between visibility settings. 

Welding From Our Local Professionals

Whether you are looking for residential, commercial, or machinery welding, MJB Welding can help take your project to the next level. Our highly trained welders and fabricators have experience working in a variety of settings around Utah, helping us to complete your project quickly and efficiently. Our goal is to get in and get the job done right the first time. Keeping your metal durable and aesthetically pleasing should be another goal when hiring a welding team, especially when the project is community-facing. MJB Welding knows how to create comprehensive welds that look great for users and customers alike. Reach out to us to learn more about our recent projects or schedule your own welding project today.