11.9 Welding Goggles and Protective Clothing
Welders must wear suitable goggles or a welding helmet with the proper filter lens while performing oxyacetylene welding. The flame and pool of molten metal emit both ultraviolet and infrared rays. Both types of rays can cause eye injury if the welding work is viewed at a close distance. The goggles or helmet also protect the eyes from flying sparks and reduce glare, so the welder can see the weld pool more clearly. If a helmet is worn instead of goggles, safety glasses should be worn underneath.
The lenses of common welding goggles are mounted in a sparkproof frame. An elastic band holds the goggles securely on the welder's head. The welding lenses may be round or rectangular. If the lenses are round, they are 50mm (2″) in diameter. If the lens is rectangular, it measures 2″ × 4 1/4″ (50mm × 108mm). Welding goggles, Figure 11-54, are often designed to fit over glasses.
The lenses of common welding goggles are mounted in a sparkproof frame. An elastic band holds the goggles securely on the welder's head. The welding lenses may be round or rectangular. If the lenses are round, they are 50mm (2″) in diameter. If the lens is rectangular, it measures 2″ × 4 1/4″ (50mm × 108mm). Welding goggles, Figure 11-54, are often designed to fit over glasses.
Figure 11-54
Figure 11-54. Two types of 50mm (2″) round welding goggles. Both will fit over glasses. The goggles at right have a soft, flexible, one-piece frame. (Jackson Products, Inc.)
Figure 11-54. Two types of 50mm (2″) round welding goggles. Both will fit over glasses. The goggles at right have a soft, flexible, one-piece frame. (Jackson Products, Inc.)
The filter lenses are tinted either green or brown and are made in a variety of shade intensities. Another filter lens, which has a gold reflective layer on the outside, filters harmful rays exceptionally well. The degree of darkness of a filter lens is indicated by the shade number. Shade numbers range from 1 to 14; the higher the number, the darker the shade. The shade number is generally etched in the corner of the lens.
Filter lenses must conform to the American National Standards Institute requirements for eye protection for welding (ANSI Z87.1). Figure 11-55 lists recommended shades for various oxyfuel gas welding and cutting applications. If operations are of short duration, the lighter shade indicated can be used. For longer or continuous operation, the darker shade should be used. In general, shade number should increase with tip size.
Filter lenses must conform to the American National Standards Institute requirements for eye protection for welding (ANSI Z87.1). Figure 11-55 lists recommended shades for various oxyfuel gas welding and cutting applications. If operations are of short duration, the lighter shade indicated can be used. For longer or continuous operation, the darker shade should be used. In general, shade number should increase with tip size.
A clear cover lens is used to protect the filter lens from metal spatter. Cover lenses are made from optical quality clear glass or plastic. They are generally 3/64″ to 1/16″ (1.19mm to 1.59mm) thick. These cover lenses get dirty and must be replaced frequently so that the welder's view remains clear.
Cover lenses are inexpensive compared to filter lenses. For this reason, filter lenses should always be protected by cover lenses. Many cover lenses are protected by a thin layer of transparent plastic which keeps metal spatter from pitting and adhering to them. The life of these plastic-coated lenses is greater than that of clear glass.
Cover lenses are inexpensive compared to filter lenses. For this reason, filter lenses should always be protected by cover lenses. Many cover lenses are protected by a thin layer of transparent plastic which keeps metal spatter from pitting and adhering to them. The life of these plastic-coated lenses is greater than that of clear glass.
Figure 11-56 shows an eyeshield that permits the filter lens and cover lens to be flipped up for a view of the weld through a clear lens. Face shields with large, flexible, filter-quality lenses also are available, Figure 11-57. Always wear safety glasses under this type of face shield.
Welders must always wear protective clothing. Hands should be protected with leather gloves. The cuffs on the gloves should be either gauntlet type, or have an elastic band that makes a tight seal between the glove and the coat sleeve. Jackets should be made from either leather or from a fabric treated to be slow-burning or nonflammable. See Figure 11-58. Trousers should have no cuffs, and be made from a fabric treated to resist burning.
Welders must always wear protective clothing. Hands should be protected with leather gloves. The cuffs on the gloves should be either gauntlet type, or have an elastic band that makes a tight seal between the glove and the coat sleeve. Jackets should be made from either leather or from a fabric treated to be slow-burning or nonflammable. See Figure 11-58. Trousers should have no cuffs, and be made from a fabric treated to resist burning.