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PPE for welding and cutting
  • Welding and cutting safely requires PPE that includes ear, eye, and head protection as well as flame-resistant clothing.
  • Natural fibers are preferred for flame-resistant clothing because synthetics can melt and stick to skin.

It’s crucial that people doing hot work wear flame-retardant clothing and protective equipment for the eyes, ears, and head. Necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) includes the following:

  • Flame-resistant aprons. These can be leather or other material that protects against radiated heat and sparks.
  • Leg protection. High boots or similar protection should be worn when doing heavy work.
  • Safety shoes. These should be at least ankle height because low-cut shoes may catch slag.
  • Head protection. A safety helmet or other head gear should be worn to protect against sharp or falling objects.
  • Ear protection. Earplugs are sufficient unless the task is very noisy (e.g., using high-velocity plasma torches), in which case earmuffs should be used.
  • Eye protection. Goggles, a helmet, and a shield should be worn to provide maximum protection for the particular welding or cutting process used.
  • Respiratory protection – If gases, dusts, and fumes cannot be maintained below permissible exposure levels (PELs), welders should wear respiratory protective equipment designated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  • Protection during overhead work. This may include a shoulder cape or cover, a skull cap made of leather or other protective material, or another flame-resistant cap worn under a helmet.

Clothing

At 1910.252(b)(3), the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) states, “Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed."

This generally means long sleeves and long pants to protect from welding arc burns and welding spatter, but these are not required. Rather, this must be determined based upon the site’s hazard assessment.

With regard to flame-resistant clothing (FRC), OSHA says in a January 12, 2012, Letter of Interpretation that “if welders are exposed to flash fires or short-duration flame exposures, OSHA expects that employers would provide and ensure the use of FRC to protect workers from these hazards . . . Employees wearing FRC may be exposed to hazards relating to heat stress. Therefore, employers should consider the following when selecting personal protective equipment for employees that are exposed to these adverse conditions: provide light weight breathable fabrics and allow employees to drink cold liquids, such as water and other electrolyte replenishing drinks.”

Gas-shielded arc welders should cover all parts of their bodies to protect against ultraviolet and infrared ray flash burn. Dark clothing works best to reduce reflection under the face shield.

Wool, leather, or cotton treated to reduce flammability are preferred for gas-shielded arc welding. Wool has an advantage over cotton because it resists deterioration better. Regardless of material, clothing should be:

  • Thick enough to prevent flash-through burns,
  • Clean,
  • Free of oil or grease, and
  • Buttoned at sleeves and collars.

Pants shouldn’t have cuffs or front pockets that could catch sparks.

If worn, thermal insulated underwear should be covered by other clothing and not exposed to sparks or other ignition sources. It should be down-filled or waffle weave cotton or wool. Synthetic fabrics won’t necessarily ignite more easily than cotton, but they melt as they burn, sticking tightly to skin, which can result in a very serious burn that is hard to treat and slow to heal.