Welding protective clothing is intended to protect the user against small molten metal projections and short-term contact with a flame, and is intended to be worn continuously for 8 hours at room temperature, but does not necessarily protect against projections thicknesses of metal in foundry operations.
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WHAT MARKINGS AND STANDARDS MUST COMPLY WITH PROTECTIVE WELDING GARMENTS
- • Name, trademark, or other means of identification of the manufacturer or authorized representative.
- • Denomination of the type of product, trade name, or reference.
- • Size.
- • Applicable standards.
- • Dimensional variation (only if it is greater than 3%).
- • Washing and maintenance icons.
- • The maximum number of cleaning cycles.
BENEFITS
For a garment to offer protection to anyone who is doing welding work, it must meet the following requirements:
a) Limited flame spread:
- • It will never burn to the brim.
- • No hole will be formed.
- • No burning or molten debris will come off.
b) Resistance to small projections of molten metal:
at least 15 drops of molten metal must be needed to raise the temperature of the garment by 40ºC
This type of garment should not be used in positions where the risks present are not those of welding work, such as chemical or electrical risks.
Several design requirements must also be taken into account:
- • Welding jackets long enough to cover the top of the pants and adjustable cuffs.
- • Trouser hems without pleats.
- • Garments preferably without pockets or, failing that, inside pockets. Pants only with side pockets. The rest with a closed portfolio.
- • Coated or covered external metal closures and quick opening.
Apart from the design requirements, the general requirements of the material from which the garments are made are also of importance:
a) Mechanical properties:
- • Tensile strength
- • Tear resistance.
b) Dimensional variation:
- • Textiles: maximum 3% in length and width.
- • Leather: maximum 5%.
c) Supplementary requirements for leather:
- • Fat content: maximum 15%.
- • Thickness: minimum 1 mm.
THE EFFECTIVE USE OF THE WELDING PROTECTIVE GARMENTS
Welder’s aprons.
You can find two different types of welder’s aprons:
- • Cow split leather aprons, with or without heat treatment, with Kevlar thread seams.
- • Kevlar cotton aprons, also sewn with Kevlar thread.
Welder jackets.
They can be found in two variants:
- • Split leather jacket with anti-heat treatment
- • Jacket in tanned grain cowhide leather with Proban cotton fabric back
The characteristics that they must meet regardless of the material in which they are made are:
– assembled sleeves
– closures by pressure under the velcro protection flap
– metal pressure closures must be under facing to avoid the penetration of projections and the risk of electric shock
– it is preferable that they have adjustable cuffs and Kevlar seams
Welder pants.
They can be found in two variants:
- • Cow split leather pants
- • Cowhide leather pants
The characteristics that they must meet regardless of the material in which they are made are:
– Side pockets for passage
– Snap closure fly under protection flap
– Kevlar thread seams
Welder hoods.
They can be found in two variants:
- • Cotton hoods Proban
- • Hoods in tanned grain cowhide
They must have a drawcord at face level, shoulder covering flange, and Kevlar thread seams in both cases.
Leggings.
They can be found in two variants:
- • Cow split leather leggings
- • Cow split leather leggings with anti-heat treatment
In both cases, they must have Kevlar thread seams. The adjustment system can be by buckle under the foot or by an elastic adjustment in the opening.
Soldering iron sleeves.
They can be found in three variants:
- • Cow split leather cuffs with elastic closure at the ends.
- • Cotton Proban cuffs with elastic cuffs and velcro adjustment on the sleeves.
- • Cow split leather cuffs with anti-heat treatment with elastic closure at the ends.
In all cases, they must have Kevlar thread seams.
This article was written by James Walter Brown from Welding Superstore Malaga.
