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NATURE OF THE HAZARD The safety glasses with side shields (or
goggles) are used to protect against
Welding and cutting can produce hazards flying metal, slag chips, grinding
such as sparks, spatter, radiation (infrared, fragments, wire wheel bristles, and
ultraviolet, and blue light), slag, heat, hot similar hazards, which can ricochet
metal, fumes and gases, and even electric under the helmet.
shock. Since these hazards may cause
burns, injury, or death, it is important to Choose a filter lens shade according to
wear proper PPE at all times. the Lens Shade Selector Chart in ANSI
Z49.1 or AWS F2.2. Lens Shade
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION Selector.
Wear a helmet with filter lens and cover Consult AWS Fact Sheet 31, Eye and
plate that complies with ANSI Z87.1 for Face Protection for Welding and
protection from radiant energy, flying Cutting Operations.
sparks, and spatter.
HEAD AND EAR PROTECTION
According to ANSI Z49.1 and OSHA 29
CFR 1910.252, "Helmets and hand Wear a fire-resistant welder’s cap or
shields shall protect the face, forehead, other head covering under your helmet.
neck, and ears to a vertical line in back It will protect your head and hair from
American Welding Society AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature
8669 Doral Blvd. whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly
Doral, Florida 33166 resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on this information. AWS also makes no
E-mail: info@aws.org guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.
http://www.aws.org
Page 1/3
Fact Sheet No. 33 – 04/14
flying sparks, spatter, burns, and
radiation. ANSI Z49.1 requires all welders to wear
protective flame-resistant gloves, such
When working out of position, such as as leather welder's gloves. They should
overhead, wear approved ear-plugs or provide the heat resistance and general
muffs. They prevent sparks, spatter, hand protection needed for welding.
and hot metal from entering your ears
and causing burns. BODY PROTECTION
If loud noise is present, wear approved Wear oil-free protective clothing made
earplugs or muffs to protect your of wool or heavy cotton. Heavier
hearing and prevent hearing loss. materials work best. They are harder to
ignite and resist wear and damage.
FOOT PROTECTION
Choose clothing that allows freedom of
Select boots that meet the movement and covers all areas of
requirements of ASTM F2412 and exposed skin. Wear long sleeved shirts
ASTM F2413 (or the older ANSI Z41 (no t-shirts), and button the cuffs,
which has been withdrawn). Look for a pockets, and collar. They will protect
compliance mark inside your boot. your arms and neck from radiation
exposure and skin burns (caused by
Wear leather, steel-toed, high-topped ultraviolet radiation from the arc).
boots in good condition. They will help
protect your feet and ankles from injury.
Wear heavy, durable, long pants (no
shorts) without cuffs that overlap the
In heavy spark or slag areas, use fire- tops of your boots.
resistant boot protectors or leather
spats strapped around your pant legs
and boot tops to prevent injury and Keep clothing dry. Change it when
burns. needed (this reduces the possibility of
electric shock).
Do not wear pants with cuffs. Wear the
bottoms of your pants over the tops of Be aware that any cuffs or open
your boots to keep out sparks and flying pockets can catch flying sparks and
metal. Do not tuck pant legs into your start on fire easily. Unroll cuffs and
boots. button pockets to prevent spark entry.
American Welding Society AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature
8669 Doral Blvd. whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly
Doral, Florida 33166 resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on this information. AWS also makes no
E-mail: info@aws.org guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.
http://www.aws.org
Page 3/3
Fact Sheet No. 33 – 04/14