PPE for Welding 111

air carbon arc cutting

CAC-Air. A method of thermal cutting that uses the intense heat from a carbon arc to melt a metal workpiece. Air carbon arc cutting uses compressed air to remove the molten metal from the cut.

American National Standards Institute

ANSI. A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems in the United States. The American National Standards Institute helps set guidelines for personal protective equipment used in welding.

American Welding Society

AWS. A professional organization that supports the welding industry and promotes welding and related processes in the United States. The American Welding Society provides industry-standard codes and certification procedures.

amperage

The amount of current flowing in a circuit. Amperage is measured in amperes (A), or amps.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute. A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems in the United States. ANSI helps set guidelines for personal protective equipment used in welding.

ANSI Z49.1

An American National Standards Institute standard that establishes guidelines for welding PPE and other safety concerns. ANSI Z49.1 is titled Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes.

ANSI Z87.1

An American National Standards Institute standard that sets guidelines for the design, production, and use of protective eyewear. ANSI Z87.1 establishes OSHA requirements for eye protection, including safety glasses and welding helmets.

aprons

A fabric or leather body covering that ties over the neck and behind the back. Aprons protect the front of the body from chest to knee.

arc

The area in which electricity moves between the electrode and the workpiece. The heat generated by the arc melts the base metals and filler metal during welding.

arc radiation

The emission of ultraviolet and infrared rays produced during arc welding. Arc radiation can burn eyes and skin.

arc welding

A group of welding processes that use electricity to generate the heat needed to melt the base metals. Arc welding is portable and economical, making it the most common form of welding.

arm coverings

A flame-resistant fabric or leather sleeve that fits over the arm to protect against various hazards. Arm coverings, also known as welding sleeves, shield welders from heat, sparks, and spatter.

ASTM International

An organization that publishes standards on a variety of materials, products, and services. ASTM International produces standards and testing requirements for protective clothing.

auto-darkening lenses

A type of filter lens that automatically adjusts to the selected shade number for the welding process being used. Auto-darkening lenses use sensors and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to automatically adjust how much light and radiation is allowed to pass through them.

AWS F2.2

A chart published by the American Welding Society that lists minimum and suggested filter lens shade numbers for different welding processes and amperages. AWS F2.2 should always be consulted before choosing filter lenses for welding PPE.

CAC-Air

CAC-Air. A method of thermal cutting that uses the intense heat from a carbon arc to melt a metal workpiece. Air carbon arc cutting uses compressed air to remove the molten metal from the cut.

cotton

A fabric made from the fiber of cotton plants. Cotton is treated with flame-resistant chemicals for welding clothing and PPE.

coveralls

Protective clothing that covers the entire body from the wrists to the ankles. Coveralls provide full-body protection against hazards like burns.

decibels

The unit by which the intensity of sound is measured. Hearing conservation programs are required if occupational noise reaches or exceeds 85 decibels over an eight-hour period.

denim

A sturdy, woven cotton material. Denim is thicker and more durable than standard cotton and can also be used for welding when properly treated.

earmuffs

Ear protection that fully covers the outer ear and is held in place by a headband. Earmuffs require a perfect seal around the ear that may interfere with welding helmets if not compatible.

earplugs

Hearing protection made of silicone or rubber designed to fit in the ear. Earplugs prevent sparks and debris from entering the ear canal.

electric shock

The flow of electricity through the body. Severe electric shock can be fatal.

face shields

A heat-resistant covering that protects the front of the head and eyes against burns from spatter and sparks. Face shields may have a darkened filter lens to protect the eyes from the welding arc.

FCAW

Flux-cored arc welding. A semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process that uses a continuously fed consumable electrode with an inner core of flux. FCAW includes self-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-S) and gas-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-G).

fiberglass

A fiber-reinforced composite made of extremely fine strands of glass. Fiberglass is often used to make welding helmets.

filter lens

A shaded piece of glass or plastic that prevents the radiant energy emitted by the welding arc from causing vision damage. Filter lenses are assigned shade numbers to indicate the amount of light radiation they allow to pass.

fit testing

The process of assessing how PPE fits to ensure it is the right size. Fit testing is critical to ensure that PPE is effective.

flame-resistant

FR. A material that resists burning and can withstand high heat. Flame-resistant materials can be synthetic or chemically treated natural fabrics.

flux-cored arc welding

FCAW. A semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process that uses a continuously fed consumable electrode with an inner core of flux. Flux-cored arc welding includes self-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-S) and gas-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-G).

FR

Flame-resistant. A material that resists burning and can withstand high heat. FR materials can be synthetic or chemically treated natural fabrics.

fumes

Airborne particulate matter that behaves similar to a gas. Welding fumes include particulates from the electrode, base metal, and any coatings included on the welding materials.

gaiters

A flame-resistant fabric or leather covering worn over the lower legs to protect against sparks and spatter. Gaiters, sometimes referred to as leggings, have snaps or buckles for quick removal.

gas metal arc welding

GMAW. An arc welding process in which a bare wire electrode and shielding gas are fed to the weld through a welding gun. Gas metal arc welding is also known as metal inert gas welding (MIG welding) or metal active gas welding (MAG), although these are non-standard terms.

gas tungsten arc welding

GTAW. A precise arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert shielding gas. Gas tungsten arc welding is also known as tungsten inert gas welding (TIG welding), although this is a non-standard term.

grinding

The use of an abrasive to cut the surface of a workpiece and change its shape. Grinding can be used to shape workpieces before welding.

hard hat

A lightweight, protective head covering, usually made of plastic, used to protect the head from impacts, bumps, and electric shock. Hard hats have a shock-absorbing lining with a headband and straps that suspend the shell away from the skull and provide ventilation.

hazard assessment

A written, formal appraisal of the safety risks that exist within a workplace. A hazard assessment is often performed by a safety team to identify what types of PPE are necessary.

hazards

A source of danger or possible injury. Hazards can be physical hazards, such as falling objects, or health hazards like chemical exposures.

hearing conservation program

HCP. A formal program implemented in a workplace to prevent hearing damage and loss. A hearing conservation program must include noise evaluations, hearing testing, and hearing protection.

ignition temperature

The lowest temperature at which a substance or material, when heated, spontaneously catches fire and continues to burn. Ignition temperature is also called kindling temperature.

infrared

IR. Invisible radiant energy emitted by heat sources with wavelengths slightly longer than visible red light. Infrared radiation is emitted by the welding arc and can damage vision.

IR

Infrared. Invisible radiant energy emitted by heat sources with wavelengths slightly longer than visible red light. Infrared radiation is emitted by the welding arc and can damage vision.

Kevlar

A flame-resistant, synthetic material developed by DuPont. Kevlar is commonly used for PPE due to its flame-resistance, but is also used for tires, bullet-proof vests, and other products due to its high strength.

leather

A material made from animal hide that is naturally resistant to heat and flames. Leather is often used in protective clothing and PPE for welding.

leggings

A flame-resistant fabric or leather covering worn over the lower legs to protect against sparks and spatter. Leggings, more properly referred to as gaiters, have snaps or buckles for quick removal.

metatarsal guards

A device that straps or laces over a shoe to protect the upper portion of the foot from impacts and crushing. Metatarsal guards may be made from aluminum, steel, plastic, or fiber.

metatarsals

The bones of the forefoot between the toes and the ankle. The metatarsals may require PPE for welding operations.

Mine Safety and Health Administration

MSHA. A division of the U.S. Dept. of Labor that provides guidelines and standards for the prevention of injury from mining and promotes safe and healthful workplaces. The Mine Safety and Health Administration also provides guidelines on the use of respirators in other industries and workplaces.

National Fire Protection Association

NFPA. A non-profit organization that maintains standards for public safety and fire prevention. The National Fire Protection Association rates materials as flame-resistant for PPE.

NIOSH

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A federal research agency tasked with researching and developing workplace health and safety recommendations. NIOSH sets standards for respirators used during welding processes.

Normex

A flame-resistant synthetic material developed by DuPont. Normex is a polymer that is popular for its flame-resistance and durability.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Dept. of Labor that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency under the U.S. Dept. of Labor that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

out-of-position welding

Welding that is performed in a position other than flat or horizontal. Out-of-position welding may be vertical, overhead, or inclined.

overalls

Protective clothing that covers the legs and part of the upper body. Overalls offer similar protection to a welding apron worn with welding pants.

overhead welding

Welding that is performed from the underside of a joint. Overhead welding requires extra safety precautions.

oxyfuel cutting

OFC. A thermal cutting process that uses a flame produced by a mix of oxygen and fuel gas along with a high-pressure stream of oxygen. Oxyfuel cutting is sometimes called flame cutting or gas cutting, but these terms are non-standard.

oxyfuel welding

OFW. A fusion welding process that uses a flame produced by a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gas. Oxyfuel welding is also known as oxyacetylene welding.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any clothing or device used to minimize exposure to hazards and prevent injury. Common personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, welding helmets, and hearing protection.

plasma arc cutting

PAC. A thermal cutting process that uses plasma, which is a jet of ionized gas, to cut metal. Plasma arc cutting, or plasma cutting, is a quick process that creates high-quality cuts.

polycarbonate

PC. A type of thermoplastic that is used for items that require high heat resistance. Polycarbonate is a common polymer that is used for safety glasses and other welding PPE.

powered air-purifying respirator

PAPR. An air-purifying respirator that uses a motorized fan to force ambient air through filtering devices. Powered air-purifying respirators are combined with welding helmets for welding in hazardous breathing environments.

PPE

Personal protective equipment. Any clothing or device used to minimize exposure to hazards and prevent injury. Common PPE includes safety glasses, welding helmets, and hearing protection.

protective clothing

Any garment that covers large portions of the body to prevent injury. Protective clothing for welding includes welding shirts, pants, jackets, sleeves, aprons, coveralls and more.

rayon

A synthetic fabric that can melt when exposed to heat. Rayon and other standard synthetics are not safe to wear while welding.

respirators

A breathing device worn to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. Respirators may purify ambient air or supply clean air to the wearer.

safety glasses

Protective eyewear with metal or plastic frames and impact-resistant lenses that may or may not offer vision correction. Safety glasses worn for welding applications must also have protective side shields.

safety goggles

Tight-fitting eye protection that completely covers the eyes, the sockets, and the surrounding facial area. Safety goggles offer protection from impact, dust, sparks, and spatter.

safety-toed boots

Protective footwear with a high ankle and a reinforced toe area. Safety-toed boots prevent falling objects from injuring the toes.

self-extinguishing

Incapable of supporting flames after the source of the flame is withdrawn. Self-extinguishing plastics are often used for welding helmets.

shade number

A rating that indicates the darkness and radiation protection of filter lenses used in welding PPE. Recommended shade numbers vary for different welding operations.

shielded metal arc welding

SMAW. An arc welding process that uses a flux-coated consumable electrode. Shielded metal arc welding is also referred to as stick welding or manual welding.

slag

Cooled flux that forms on top of the weld bead and must be chipped off. Slag is a welding hazard mitigated by PPE.

SMAW

Shielded metal arc welding. An arc welding process that uses a flux-coated consumable electrode. SMAW is also referred to as stick welding or manual welding.

spatter

Molten metal droplets expelled by a welding operation. Spatter can land on a welder and cause burns.

standards

An established policy on a particular practice or method. Standards can be enforced similar to laws, and non-compliance can result in fines and other penalties.

synthetics

An artificial or human-made material that does not occur in nature. Synthetic materials are not usually appropriate for welding PPE, but some synthetics, like Kevlar, are flame resistant and used for PPE.

tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium chloride

THPC. A chemical salt compound containing phosphorus. Tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium chloride is often used as a treatment to make materials flame resistant.

thermal cutting

A cutting process that uses heat to remove metal from a workpiece. Thermal cutting processes include oxyfuel, air carbon arc, plasma arc, and laser beam cutting.

thermoplastics

A group of plastics that can be repeatedly heated, cooled, and shaped. Thermoplastics are often used to make welding helmets.

ultraviolet

UV. Invisible radiant energy emitted by light sources with wavelengths slightly shorter than violet light. Ultraviolet radiation is emitted by the welding arc and can cause skin and eye issues with prolonged exposure.

UV

Ultraviolet. Invisible radiant energy emitted by light sources with wavelengths slightly shorter than violet light. Ultraviolet radiation is emitted by the welding arc and can cause skin and eye issues with prolonged exposure.

vertical welding

The welding position in which welding is done on a vertical surface, moving up or down. Vertical welding is more difficult than flat- or horizontal-position welding.

welding

A joining process that permanently bonds two separate components together. Welding uses heat, pressure, or a combination of the two to make one new part.

welding bib

A piece of flame-resistant fabric or leather that attaches to a welding cape to provide additional coverage for the chest and abdomen. Welding bibs can be attached and detached as needed.

welding capes

A fabric or leather body covering that protects the arms, shoulders, upper chest, upper back, and neck. Welding capes can be worn with or without a detachable welding bib.

welding caps

A protective head covering that protects a welder from burns due to sparks and spatter. Welding caps are worn under a welding helmet and are made from flame-resistant rated material.

welding gloves

A type of hand and wrist covering used to protect the skin from welding hazards. Welding gloves are made from leather or other flame-resistant material.

welding helmets

A heat-resistant head covering that protects against burns and eye damage. Welding helmets prevent burns from spatter and sparks and contain a darkened filter lens to prevent vision damage.

welding jackets

A coat made of flame-resistant material worn to protect the upper body. Welding jackets cover the arms, chest, and back.

welding sleeves

A flame-resistant fabric or leather sleeve that fits over the arm to protect against various hazards. Welding sleeves, also known as arm coverings, shield welders from heat, sparks, and spatter.

wool

A fabric made from sheep fur. Wool is treated with flame-resistant chemicals for welding clothing and PPE.