PPE/General/TBT-PPE-012

Welding PPE Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment › General › Welding PPE Requirements

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Welding produces extreme heat, UV radiation, sparks, fumes, and molten metal spatter.
Correct PPE selection depends on the welding process, material, and working environment.
A welding helmet with the correct shade lens is essential to prevent arc eye injuries.
Auto-darkening helmets must be tested before each use to ensure the sensor functions.
Flame-resistant clothing made from leather or treated cotton protects against sparks and spatter.
Welding gauntlets must be long enough to protect wrists and forearms from burns.
Respiratory protection may be required where local exhaust ventilation is insufficient.
Safety boots with metatarsal guards protect feet from falling hot metal and sparks.
Workers nearby also need protection — welding screens or curtains must shield bystanders.
PPE alone is the last line of defence and must be used alongside engineering controls.

Prevent burns	Molten metal spatter and radiant heat can cause severe burns to exposed skin within seconds.
Protect eyesight	UV radiation from the welding arc causes arc eye (photokeratitis) and long-term retinal damage without correct lens shade.
Lung health	Welding fumes contain hazardous metal oxides and gases that cause occupational asthma and lung disease.

Don't

See also: Welding Safety | UV Radiation and Arc Eye Prevention

Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.

Toolbox Talk Record