Welding Helmet Safety Tips & Techniques

Series Summary

Metallurgy has existed for thousands of years and welding, the joining of two metals, can be traced back to the Bronze Age - four thousand years before the birth of Christ. Since then mankind has made considerable advances in welding, mastering different forms such as arc, laser, mig, and tig welding. One thing that has not changed however is the inherent danger to bodily injury when combining metals whether using high heat, pressurized flammable gases, or electricity. Consequently welding safety equipment and techniques must be used to protect the welder (and those nearby) from the hazards of welding.

In this free welding safety video series, learn from expert welder and welding teacher Malcolm MacDonald as he gives welding safety instructions, tips, and techniques on topics including: safety equipment (gloves, helmets); protecting yourself from fumes, fires, welding smoke, electric shocks; what not to do; welding on closed vessels; welding in wet conditions; handling gas cylinders; proper ventilation; tool safety; and tripping hazards.

Video Transcript

" Hello, my name is Mac and on behalf of expertvillage.com I am going to give you some tips and techniques on welding safety. Your personal protective equipment that must be worn while you are welding are as follows: First you must have a good quality welding helmet. This shield is designed to protect your eyes from the extremely bright light of the arc and to help protect you from the sparks and spatter that fly out of the weld and from the slag that is chipped off the weld after the welding is finished. Now central to this is the dark filter plate inside the filter plate holder. These are different strengths of dark tempered glass, they filter the light down to a level that you can actually see what is going on without being blinded. They start at shade nine and go up to shade thirteen and fourteen. Everyone’s eyes are different so you will need to select the appropriate filter plate for your eyes. The filter plate is protected by a clear lens cover that keeps the spatter of the weld from sticking to the glass plate. Also in this model of helmet there is a flip up lens holder. Inside of here there is a lexan plastic plate, while I am wearing this I can chip the weld and not have the particles of hot slag hit my face or get into my eyes. It is also a really good idea to wear safety glasses under the welding helmet and they should have side shields to keep slag and spatter from migrating up and under the welding helmet and getting into your eyes. "