WELDING
The welding industry is an important part of the metal industry and plays a central role in construction, manufacturing and maintenance. Different welding techniques are used to create durable and safe structures for everything from bridges and vehicles to machinery and industrial facilities.
Welding work often involves high temperatures and hazards such as flames, sparks, molten metal, welding spatter and radiant heat. To provide the right protection, it is important to select certified protective clothing based on the working environment and the specific welding process. Protective clothing for welding should, among other things, meet the requirements of EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612, depending on the risks involved.
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WELDING RISK ASSESSMENT
This is what you get when you download the guide:
- An overview of the most important steps to consider when carrying out a risk assessment in a welding environment.
- Insights into the most common hazards in a welding environment.
- How you can extend the lifespan of protective clothing with the help of welding accessories.
RISKS WHEN WELDING
Work involving welding entails several different risks and therefore safety is very important. One of the most common risks is the strong radiant heat and the sparks that occur during the work. Sparks can cause burns to the skin and also lead to fires if there is combustible material nearby. The intense light from the welding arc can also damage the eyes and cause so-called “arc eye”, which can lead to severe pain and irritation in the eyes. Therefore, it is important to always protect the face and eyes during the work.
Welding also generates fumes and gases that can be harmful to inhale. If ventilation is poor, welding fumes can affect the lungs and cause health problems in both the short and long term. In some work environments, there is also a risk of electrical accidents, as welding equipment often uses high electric current. Noise from machines and tools can also affect hearing if the correct protection is not used. To reduce the risks, both training, a good working environment and proper safety procedures are required.
When you work with heavy welding, you need flame retardant welding garments certified according to EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 11611 class 2, which is the highest level of welding protection. The EN ISO 11611 standard largely governs the design of welding clothing so that weld spatter does not get caught in folds and fabric or end up in open pockets. All pockets are therefore covered with a pocket flap or constructed for similar protection.
Welding also generates a great deal of UV and radiant heat. To increase the wearer’s comfort and avoid heat stress, Tranemo has therefore added ventilation openings on certain collections suitable for welding. To insulate against the radiant heat and to increase protection, a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system in two or three layers is recommended.
Of course, a welder needs to protect the entire body with protective equipment. A welding helmet with a dark protective visor is used to protect the eyes and face from the intense light, heat and flying sparks. Welding gloves made of leather protect the hands from heat and burns. Safety shoes with steel toecaps protect the feet from heavy objects and hot metal pieces. In many cases, hearing protection is also needed to protect hearing from high noise levels. Respiratory protection or a fresh air mask can be used in environments where there is a lot of welding fumes or dangerous particles in the air.
How to conduct a risk assessment
How to choose the right protective clothing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Common risks when working with molten metals
SPLASHES OF MOLTEN METAL
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Molten metal
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Flame and heat
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Heat stress
When working with molten metal, protective clothing in PPE category III is usually required, as the temperatures are extremely high and there is a risk of being splashed with molten metal. To avoid injuries, flame retardant garments that comply with EN ISO 11612 are required. In these environments, there is also a risk of suffering from heat stress. Therefore, a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system with 2 or 3 layers is recommended, which insulates against radiant heat and increases protection thanks to the air gaps between the different layers protecting the wearer from heat and energy.
UV RADIATION
During welding, intense UV radiation is generated from the arc, which poses major risks to both eyes and skin. The radiation is significantly stronger than normal sunlight and can cause acute injuries even after short exposure. The skin can sustain damage similar to severe sunburn, and with prolonged exposure the risk of skin cancer increases. Since the radiation can also be reflected off metal surfaces and walls, people nearby can be exposed without welding themselves. Therefore, it is important to always use the correct protective equipment, such as a welding helmet with an approved visor, protective clothing and gloves, and to use protective screens around the workplace.
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HEAT STRESS
In these environments there is also a risk of suffering from heat stress. Therefore, a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system with 2 or 3 layers is recommended, which insulates against radiant heat and increases the protection thanks to the air gaps between the different layers protecting the wearer from heat and energy.
Flame and heat
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Flame spread
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Convective heat
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Radiant heat
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Contact heat
For work where there is a risk that garments may come into contact with heat and flame, flame retardant workwear is required. Protection against flame and heat is the basic protection in all Tranemo flame retardant garments. In a complete protection system, the protective clothing must cover the neck, torso, arms and legs; either with a full-covering garment such as an overall, or a two-piece system with, for example, jacket and trousers, with the same certification.
WELDING TECHNIQUES AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
EN ISO 11611 divides protective clothing into two classes depending on the type of welding work being carried out and the level of risk the working environment involves.
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FIND THE RIGHT PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR WELDING
RECOMMENDED RANGE FOR WELDING WORK
OUR STRENGTHS in WELDING
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