Welding Helmet and Other Personal Protective Equipments

Exposed to intense light and radiated heat, the welder faces risks that can result in severe damage to his health. For this reason, the company needs to redouble its attention on risk control in relation to welding activities, equipping the environment with the necessary EPCs and providing the different types of PPE for the welder correctly. In this post, we will talk about the biggest concerns of OSH professionals in relation to welding processes. Follow and check the 6 main PPE needed in this function and check out tips for choosing quality equipment! The risks of welding work The risks of welding work are mechanical, physical and chemical. In the first case, we have the mechanical agents, such as abrasion, cutting and drilling, from the burrs of metal parts not yet finished or that arise during the cutting and welding process. As for physical risks, it is important to highlight the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, the heat and the projection of liquid metals at high temperatures. Such risks are present in the most diverse types of welding, but the degree of exposure varies according to the type of welding, the welding position and the place of work. Therefore, they must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, more resource here. With regard to chemical risks, it is important to remember that the welding process is the melting of metal through electrical current or heat - in the case of oxyacetylene. In this physical-chemical process, metallic fumes are released, which exposes the professional and the environment to various metals, such as iron, aluminum, copper and, in some cases, lead, nickel and chromium VI. Finally, we can mention the possibility of inhaling toxic dust, the occurrence of noise at varying levels and ergonomic risks due to welding positions, work at height and confined space. The 7 main types of PPE for welder PPE's for welders should not be limited only to the protection of the worker's eyes and face, but it is also necessary to protect the trunk, upper and lower limbs. So, check out what are the main types of PPE for welder. Welding helmet The solder helmets are divided into two classes: * passive helmets, which do not react and / or there is no interaction with the welding light, that is, they are always in protection mode;* the active helmets, which are those that react with the light of the welding process, darkening at the slightest sign of light. With some passive helmets, it is possible to adjust the shade of the automatic darkening filter for better adaptation and usability during the performance of the activity. Goggles are mandatory under welding helmets. Goggles The worker needs to wear glasses with UV protection and together with the welding helmets, we can consider both as one of the main PPE's for welders, after all the risk to the eyes is EMINENT, either because of exposure to radiation and intense light or because of projection of VOLANTES particles that may come into contact with the eyes, resulting in irreversible damage. Safety gloves The safety gloves welder must provide mechanical and thermal protection also. Normally, they are made of leather of the type of vaquette or scrap. Its main function is to reduce exposure to contact, irradiated and convective heat, and to protect against the splashing of liquid metal, since the hands are very close to the fusion puddle. Even the gloves must be specific to the welding process. Scraping apron The scraping apron, or welder's apron, is widely used in welding services. It can be leather, inherent fibers and several other materials, but the most important thing is that it is heat resistant and protects the user against projections of molten metal and radiation. Safety shoes Footwear must provide, at a minimum, basic protection against falling objects. But depending on the activity, they must offer other protections to prevent accidents at work resulting from falling sharp objects, pressing, splashing of liquid metal, among others. Hearing protector The use of hearing protection should be implemented according to the assessment of noise present in the environment during welding operations. If the noise exceeds 85 dB, the use of hearing protection is mandatory. The role of EPC in the work of the welder Collective protection equipment is simply essential in welding environments. After all, they are the ones that most effectively guarantee risk control, collaborating in a preventive way to maintain safety in the work environment.