As a welder, it's important to protect yourself from the potential hazards of the job, including burns, electric shock, and the effects of intense heat and light. Proper welding workwear is essential for keeping yourself safe and comfortable while welding.
Here's a list of the workwear you'll need when welding:
Welding helmet: A welding helmet is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for a welder. It shields your face and neck from the intense light and heat generated by the welding process. Look for a helmet with a good quality lens that provides clear visibility and protection from UV and IR radiation.
Welding gloves: Welding gloves are designed to protect your hands from burns, cuts, and abrasions. They should be made of durable, heat resistant materials such as leather or aluminized fabric. Choose gloves with a long cuff to provide additional protection for your wrists and lower arms.
Flame resistant workwear: Welding can produce sparks and hot metal shavings that can ignite clothing and cause serious burns. Wear clothing made of flame resistant materials, such as Nomex to reduce the risk of fire. Avoid loose fitting clothing, as it can easily catch fire.
Protective eyewear: Welding produces bright light and UV radiation that can damage your eyesight over time. Wear protective eyewear, such as welding goggles or a face shield, to protect your eyes from injury. Look for welding eye protection that offers a shade factor to ensure protection.
Earplugs or ear defenders: The noise produced by welding equipment can damage your hearing if you're not properly protected. Wear earplugs or ear defenders to reduce the risk of hearing loss, if wearing a safety helmet you should go for helmet mounted ear defenders to have trust on the protection being delivered, poor fitting ear defenders that do not fully cover your ears will not provide the performance required.
Steel toe cap boots: Welding involves the use of heavy equipment and materials, so it's important to protect your feet from falling objects or rolling equipment. Wear steel toe cap boots to reduce the risk of foot injuries and even better welding specific safety boots like these Rock fall spark safety boots.
Hard hat: A hard hat is essential for protecting your head from falling objects and debris. Look for a hat with a ratchet-style suspension system, which allows you to adjust the fit for maximum comfort.
Respirator: Welding generates fumes and gases that can be harmful to your respiratory system. Wear a respirator to filter out harmful particles and gases and protect your lungs, if unsure on the respirator or filters you require please check with a member of the team.
First aid kit: Accidents can happen on the job, so it's important to be prepared. Keep a first aid kit on hand in case of minor injuries.
Sunscreen: Welding generates intense light and heat, which can cause sunburns and skin irritation. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from UV radiation.
Welding workwear is designed to protect the wearer from hazards associated with welding such as heat, sparks, and flames. The materials used in welding workwear are carefully selected to provide the necessary level of protection and durability. Here are some common materials used in welding workwear:
Leather:
Leather is a common material used in welding workwear because it is durable and heat-resistant. It is also resistant to sparks and molten metal, making it ideal for welding gloves, aprons, and jackets.
Cotton:
Cotton is a natural fibre that is breathable, comfortable, and lightweight. It is often used in welding shirts, coveralls, and pants because it is inexpensive and provides some protection against heat and sparks.
Nylon:
Nylon is a synthetic material that is strong, durable, and resistant to abrasion. It is often used in welding jackets and aprons because it is lightweight and provides good protection against sparks and flames.
Kevlar:
Kevlar is a synthetic material that is extremely strong and heat-resistant. It is often used in welding gloves, sleeves, and aprons because it can withstand high temperatures and provide excellent protection against cuts and punctures.
Nomex:
Nomex is a flame resistant material that is often used in welding jackets, trousers, and coveralls. It is lightweight, comfortable, and provides excellent protection against flames and heat.
Aluminized materials:
Aluminized materials are made by applying a layer of aluminium to a base material such as cotton or fibreglass. These materials are highly reflective and can provide excellent protection against radiant heat and molten metal splashes.
PVC:
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a synthetic material that is often used in welding aprons and jackets because it is resistant to chemicals and acids. It also provides some protection against sparks and flames.
The materials used in welding workwear can vary depending on the specific requirements of the job and the level of protection needed. It is important to choose the appropriate material based on the hazards present and the comfort and mobility required for the task.
What are the regulations and standards for welding workwear?
In the UK, there are several regulations and standards that apply to welding workwear. These regulations and standards aim to ensure the safety of workers who are engaged in welding activities. Some of these regulations and standards include:
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 requires employers to provide their employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is suitable for the risks involved in their work. This includes providing suitable welding workwear such as welding gloves, welding helmets, and protective clothing.
This standard specifies minimum requirements for protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes. This includes requirements for the material, design, and performance of the clothing.
This standard specifies minimum requirements for protective clothing for use in heat and flame exposure. This includes clothing worn during welding operations.
This act places a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This includes providing appropriate welding workwear to protect employees from the risks associated with welding.
This regulation requires employers to assess and control the risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances, including fumes and gases generated during welding.
It is important for employers to ensure that they comply with these regulations and standards to protect the health and safety of their employees.
Conclusion
It's important to remember that welding workwear is not the same as regular workwear. The materials and construction of welding clothing are specifically designed to protect you from the hazards of the job. Don't cut corners on quality – investing in high quality welding workwear will pay off in the long run by keeping you safe and comfortable on the job.
OAKEYS safety has a wide range of welding options available to you, ranging across different levels of protection and price. Take a look at our range and have access to some of the lowest prices for specialist workwear while being high quality.
Use the search bar below to find any welding workwear you need:
At OAKEYS Safety Ltd, we take pride in providing high quality workwear solutions that prioritize the safety and well being of workers across various industries. We understand that not all work environments require high visibility clothing, which is why we have developed a comprehensive range of non-high visibility workwear. Our innovative product line offers unparalleled protection, comfort, and durability, ensuring that your workforce remains safe and productive, even in challenging conditions.
Our non-high visibility workwear collection is carefully designed to address the specific needs of workers in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and more. We recognize that different industries present unique hazards, and our products are tailored to provide specialized protection against these risks. From extreme temperatures and chemical exposure to flames and electrical hazards, our workwear has been engineered to shield your employees from potential dangers effectively.
One of the core principles guiding our product development is the emphasis on functionality and comfort. We believe that workwear should never hinder the performance or mobility of workers. That's why our non-high visibility garments are meticulously crafted to ensure ease of movement, breathability, and ergonomic design. We combine cutting edge materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to create workwear that not only meets safety standards but also enhances wearer comfort, ultimately boosting productivity and job satisfaction.
In addition to exceptional protection and comfort, our non-high visibility workwear is built to withstand the rigors of demanding work environments. We understand that durability is crucial in ensuring the longevity of protective clothing, which is why our products undergo rigorous testing and quality control procedures. By investing in our workwear range, you can be confident that your employees will have reliable and long lasting garments, saving you both time and resources in the long run.
At OAKEYS Safety Ltd, we believe that safety should never be compromised, regardless of whether high visibility is a primary concern. Our non-high visibility workwear range provides a comprehensive and reliable solution for workers across industries, offering peace of mind and allowing your workforce to focus on their tasks with confidence. Explore our product range today and discover how we can redefine protection for your workforce.
