Welders are an essential part of workforces that comprise the Australian economy and elsewhere worldwide. From construction sites to industrial areas, many jobs require having a professional welder on site.
If you are a welder, you’re aware of the dangers of your job, particularly without a complete set of personal protective gear or PPGs. That is why you must always wear heavy-duty welding gloves when working on a weld to protect your hands from possible injuries. A nice pair of welding gloves could also ensure your comfort as you work and make you a more efficient welder with the freedom of hand motion that they offer.
Other than welding gloves, here are the five different welding PPGs that you must invest in to make every task as safe as possible:
Blankets
Welding blankets are PPGs that help protect the welder from sparks, spatter, fire, and other hazards. These blankets are made from special materials that can resist fire and contain fire effectively. They are not only used to protect the welder but also to extinguish the small fire caused by stray sparks when welding.
Screens
A welding screen or curtain is a portable barrier that protects the welder from heavy winds that could cause sparks to fly around dangerously and lead to injuries or fire. Welding screens or curtains are placed on a metal frame with swivel casters that can be locked for optimum stability. They have curtain strips that tame wind loads to minimise the risk of toppling over.
Tents
Welding tents are another great protective products that a welder should consider buying. Many welding tents are made from flame-retardant fabrics that lessen the likelihood of the tents catching fire. Some are also rot-proof and waterproof to allow the welder to continue working regardless of the weather. They are easy to assemble and can be flat-packed for optimum portability from one workplace to another.
Helmets
No welding arsenal is complete without a good welding helmet. Welding helmets these days have become so advanced as to have an auto-darkening feature that protects the eyes from hazardous light emissions. There are different shade degrees to which the helmets can be programmed for automatic selection. These helmets could also be adjusted to suitable delays and sensitivity for optimum working conditions. Their shells are also shock-resistant and sturdy, which are perfect for high-impact welding jobs. Finally, modern welding helmets are lightweight enough to let the welder work for hours without straining the neck and head.
Jackets
Flame-resistant jackets are another must-have PPGs for welders. These jackets protect against spatter and spark that usually cause injuries to the welder. Modern welding jackets offered in the market these days are no longer bulky and too hot for comfort, thanks to the advanced materials used. They reduce the overall weight and ensure optimum comfort for the welder. Also, it doesn’t hurt that manufacturers are creating welding jackets that are not only functional and sturdy but stylish as well.
Be sure to consider these five welding PPGs and strive to invest in getting at least one of them. Remember that safety should always be your top priority, given the hazardous nature of your profession.