Safety Equipment for Welding
According to the American Welding Society, nearly 50 percent of products made in the United States require welding. Race cars, ships, cell phones, oil rigs, farm equipment and medical devices are just a few of the dozens of products that require welding in their manufacturing process. An industry that reaches from the bottoms of the oceans to the space stations in the sky has its hazards. But with proper safety equipment, a welder can have an long, healthy and injury-free career.
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Hazards
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Welding can be hazardous because of the high temperatures, sparks, fumes and radiation emitted. If a welder is not properly protected, these hazards can lead to severe burns, eye injuries or even death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, estimates that four out of every 1,000 welders will die as a result of a workplace injury. Fortunately, personal protective equipment, or PPE, is available in addition to strict federal regulations.
Regulations
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OSHA has very specific regulations that employers and welders must follow to ensure safety. These regulations focus on everything from the environment in which the welding is taking place, the types of protective equipment and exposure limits in regards to gases and fumes.
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Head and Neck Protection
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OSHA requires that all welders wear helmets and eye protection to protect the head, neck and eyes. The helmet must be thermally insulated so the high temperatures do not affect the skin. The helmet should also protect the entire face, neck and ears. In regards to eye protection, goggles, face shields or welding curtains are implemented depending on the type of welding. When goggles are worn, they should be well ventilated in order to avoid fogging. They should also have side and top protection when worn under your helmet. When face shields are indicated they must be shaded. The shield darkness required depends on the process and arc current. Many manufacturers offer shields that darken automatically when the torch is lit. This allows a welder to see his work when the flame is out, without lifting the shield. Generally, the higher the arc current, the darker the shield must be. Curtains or windows are usually used in training and demonstration. The American Welding Society also recommends ear plugs to prevent sparks from flying in and injuring the ears and ear muffs when the noise levels are high.
Body Protection
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When it comes to overall body protection, welders should wear hand shields that are thermally insulated and fire-resistant. Many welders wear leather aprons to protect their bodies, while others wear welding coats or suits. Leather, steel-toe boots are also recommended to protect your feet and ankles. Because of the gases and fumes welding emits, there are also extensive requirements in regards to respirators that protect a welders airway.
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References
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