- Select a welding helmet with the correct shade number for the process used
- Test auto-darkening helmets before each welding session to confirm function
- Wear flame-resistant clothing that covers all exposed skin fully
- Use leather welding gauntlets that extend to cover the forearms
- Wear safety boots with metatarsal protection and heat-resistant soles
- Use respiratory protection where fume extraction does not control exposure
- Erect welding screens to protect other workers from arc flash exposure
- Inspect all welding PPE before each use and replace damaged items
- Store PPE in a clean dry area away from oil, grease, and contaminants
- Ensure ear protection is worn if noise levels exceed 85 dB during grinding
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- DON'T weld without a helmet — even brief arc exposure damages eyesight
- DON'T wear synthetic clothing near welding as it melts onto skin
- DON'T use damaged or cracked welding lenses that reduce UV protection
- DON'T rely on sunglasses or tinted safety glasses instead of a welding helmet
- DON'T leave skin exposed — wear full-coverage clothing with no gaps
- DON'T ignore fume exposure because you cannot see or smell it clearly
- DON'T allow bystanders to watch welding without eye protection
- DON'T use wet or oil-contaminated gloves near the welding arc
- DON'T tuck trouser legs into boots — sparks can enter and cause burns
- DON'T continue using PPE that is burnt through, torn, or degraded
See also: Welding Safety | UV Radiation and Arc Eye Prevention
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