5.12 Special Arc Welder Clothing
While an arc weld is in progress, the molten flux and the metal itself sometimes spatter for a considerable distance around the joint being welded. The operator must, therefore, be protected from the danger of being burned by these hot particles. Such clothing as gloves, gauntlet sleeves, aprons, and leggings are sometimes necessary, depending on the type of welding being performed. When performing welds in the overhead welding position, it is recommended that you wear a jacket or cape to protect the shoulders and arms. A cap or a special hooded arc helmet is needed to protect the head and hair. All these clothing articles should be made of leather. They are referred to as leathers.
It is further recommended that the operator wear high-top shoes or boots. Trousers worn by the welder should not have cuffs. Cuffs may catch burning particles as they fall. Gloves should be worn to cover the hands and wrists and to prevent “sunburn.”
All clothing should be carefully inspected to eliminate any place where the metal may catch and burn. Open pockets are especially dangerous.
Clothing worn while welding, other than the “leathers” mentioned, should be of heavy material such as cotton and wool. Thin clothing will permit infrared and ultraviolet rays to penetrate to the skin. If the skin is not properly protected, the operator will become “sunburned.” Such burns, if they do occur, should be treated as a severe sunburn. If the burns are severe, a physician should be consulted. Easily ignited material, such as flammable combs, pens, or butane cigarette lighters, should not be carried by the operator while welding.
It is further recommended that the operator wear high-top shoes or boots. Trousers worn by the welder should not have cuffs. Cuffs may catch burning particles as they fall. Gloves should be worn to cover the hands and wrists and to prevent “sunburn.”
All clothing should be carefully inspected to eliminate any place where the metal may catch and burn. Open pockets are especially dangerous.
Clothing worn while welding, other than the “leathers” mentioned, should be of heavy material such as cotton and wool. Thin clothing will permit infrared and ultraviolet rays to penetrate to the skin. If the skin is not properly protected, the operator will become “sunburned.” Such burns, if they do occur, should be treated as a severe sunburn. If the burns are severe, a physician should be consulted. Easily ignited material, such as flammable combs, pens, or butane cigarette lighters, should not be carried by the operator while welding.
