Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Arc welding, like most welding processes, requires operators to protect themselves from the radiated heat and rays associated with the process. Perhaps the most efficient way of doing this is by the wearing of protective clothing. The use of all protective clothing is dictated by the nature of the work and the comfort of the operator. Ideally, clothing for the operator should consist of:

1. long-sleeved cotton shirt

2. sleeves rolled down and buttoned

3. strong trousers without cuffs

4. strong leather shoes or work boots

5. Aprons

6. Gloves

7. spats (leather)

8. Caps

9. leather capes or jackets.

Always take care to check clothing for frayed edges, torn areas and open pockets where sparks can lodge and start burning. Work clothes should also be free of oil or grease. This may be difficult in some workshops, but a spare pair of clean overalls could be left at work specifically for welding operations.