How to Choose Welding Attire

To use your welding equipment safely, you must choose the correct attire to wear while welding. This clothing can be the difference between an emergency room visit and a safe welding experience. Use these steps to choose the right welding attire for your job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wear adequate eye protection. Always have a pair of high impact safety glasses in your workspace at all times.

2. Get flame resistant clothing. You can find this clothing at hardware stores or the place where you bought your welder. If you're just going to do a small amount of welding, choose a 100-percent cotton long-sleeved T-shirt and 100-percent cotton pants.

3. Wear high-top leather boots. Tennis shoes aren't a good option as they may smolder for a long period of time unnoticed and melt to your feet.

4. Choose a pair of leather gloves that have a long cuff extending to the elbow. Leather is the best option for gloves because it's flame resistant.

5. Get a welding helmet or hood. Make sure that your helmet is comfortable and not too heavy or clunky. This way, it doesn't get in the way and allows you to move about as you need to. Also, make sure that the shield isn't too dark for you to see out of or too light to keep the rays from the welder from damaging your eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• Button your cuffs and pockets so they don't catch sparks.