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Welding Clothing Education and Training

Know what welding protective clothing to wear while on the job

By Marjorie Gilbert
Welding is a fascinating skill where you are able to fuse two, or more, separate pieces of metal together and create something new--while wearing protective welding gear. As you are essentially working with fire, your protection is paramount. And, as the welding torch produces bright ultra-violet light, proper welding gear that protects your eyes are a must.

Below, you will find information that will help you in your career as a welder by providing some welding clothing education and training. This information will help you to stay protected while you are welding, whether on a job or while working on your own projects. Welding safety clothing and gear reduces the risks of welding; consider these education options to help you stay safe:

1. Protect the head with the proper welding gear.

2. Wear welding safety clothing while welding.

3. Protect your hands with the proper welding gear.

 

Educate yourself about welding gear to protect your head and eyes

The first part of welding clothing education and training is learning about the welding gear for the head and eyes, especially as the likelihood of sparks flying when welding is very high. Many welders like welding caps of fire-resistant cloth as a first layer of protection. This covers the hair, thus adding protection to the back of the head. Next is a welding helmet that can add varying degrees of protection. For example, while all helmets have protective glass that protects the welder's eyes from the light of the torch, some helmets protect during grinding as well. Helmets can also have a ventilation system, which can protect you from the harmful gasses produced by welding.
Try: Miller has good information on their site regarding welding helmets as well as comparison charts that can help you decide which welding helmet will work for you. An article found in Welding Magazine on welding helmets explores the issue further.

Learn about welder clothing to protect your torso

As might be expected, protection of the torso when welding is also important. This part of your welding clothing education and training means learning what welding work clothing would work best for you. At the very least, clothing for welders needs to be fire resistant. The traditional welding gear--welding jackets, welding shirts, welding vests, and welding pants--are made of leather, which has the benefit of being heat resistant as well. Technology has allowed fire resistant properties in other fabrics as well, such as cotton.
Try: The National Agricultural Safety Database has an excellent article on clothing for welding. Proper Clothing for Arc Welding Safety on eHow is a helpful video about welding clothes.

Find educational information about welding gear to protect your hands

Protecting your hands must be a consideration when buying welding protective clothing. Look for welding gear that allows your hands to remain protected from harmful sparks while retaining complete dexterity. Being able to make use of your hands is just as important as keeping them from burning.
Try: The American Welding Society has a good article about choosing welding gloves. Lincoln Electric has a helpful publication on gloves and safety practices while welding.

 

  • Welding protective clothing is something that you can't do without. Since the proper fit of the welding gear is imperative, it is worthwhile to take your time trying all of the gear on before buying it.

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