How to Prepare for Welding

Arc welding, like any other workshop activity, requires special training and knowledge of the proper safety equipment to wear. With the right precautions, welding is a safe activity. Once you learn the necessary safety equipment in welding, you should never forget to use it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a helmet with a lens shade of 12 to 14 for arc welding. You must protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation burns to prevent damage to your cornea. It only takes a few minutes of exposure to the welding flash to cause a burn. A special cotton cap worn under your helmet offers extra protection from hot particles and absorbs sweat.

2. Wear a good pair of long, leather welding gloves. Arc welding gloves should be heavy and flame resistant to protect your hands from burns and provide some insulation against electrical shock.

3. Select natural-fiber clothing, such as wool or cotton, without holes or frays. Avoid synthetics unless they're fire-retardant because they melt quickly and adhere to the skin, potentially causing more severe burns.

4. Resist the urge to roll your sleeves and pants cuffs up. Sparks and hot metal can fly into the folds of your clothes. Tucking your pants into work boots keeps hot particles from falling in them.

5. Cover your clothes with a leather welding jacket for added protection. You can buy leather aprons, leggings and sleeves to cover yourself with when you're arc welding. The idea is to provide as much protection for yourself as possible when working around hazardous situations.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective eyewear around any kind of workshop activity. When you aren't welding and you have your helmet off, you need to have some protection for your eyes from other hazards in the shop.