Protective Clothing

Safety Helmet

OTHER NAME: Hard hat

SIZE: 6i to 8in.

MATERIAL: Fiberglass, plastic

USE: To protect the head

A one piece moulded, impact-resistant helmet protects the wearer against an accidental blow to the head. The safety helmet is fitted with a webbing harness which fits rhe head, leaving a gap between the helmet and the head to cushion any impact. Never wear a helmet without the harness.

Ear Protectors

OTHER NAME: Earmuffs

SIZE: Weight: 9oz.

MATERIAL: Foam filled plastic

USE: To protect the ears against high frequency noise

Ear protectors are foam or sometimes liquid-filled plastic cups, which fit snugly over each ear. A padded spring steel head band holds the cups against the ears. Each cup is lined with soft foam pads to seal against the side of the head. Ear protectors can be worn under a safety helmet.

Plastic or rubber plugs, which fit into the ear are quite efficient protectors and can be worn along with the earmuffs for added protection.

Face Mask

SIZE: Weight: under 1oz.

MATERIAL: Aluminum and cotton gauze

USE: To prevent the inhalation of dust or sprayed paint

The face mask is made from a pad of cotton gauze faced with thin aluminum sheet, which is easily shaped to fit the wearer's face. It has elastic straps which hold the mask against the nose and mouth, preventing inhalation of the dust particles and paint-laden air produced by spraying. The face mask will not protect you against toxic fumes for which respirators incorporating appropriate filters must be worn.

Eye Protectors

OTHER NAMES: Goggles, spectacles, face mask

SIZE: Lens diameter: 2in.; Face mask screen size: 6 to Sin.

MATERIAL: Plastic, toughened glass

USE: To protect the eyes against flying debris and harmful liquids

When grinding, chiseling masonry or doing any job that generates flying debris, it is essential to protect the eyes. Lightweight, clear spectacles are available with toughened, impact-reshtannens. They are comfortable to wear, even for prolonged periods. Choose a model with side screens or wraparound lens.

Goggles provide even more protection as they fit flush against the face and some can be worn over normal spectacles. They are more suitable where liquids are involved or when working in dust-laden air. Some goggles are ventilated to reduce perspiration and condensation. Green, antiglare lenses can be fitted to some models, but these are not strong enough protection against the intense light produced during welding.

For complete protection, use a clear face screen which covers the whole face while wrapping around the sides. It is attached to a spark or splash deflector, which protects the forehead and is fitted with an adjustable harness to fit any size.

Welder's Face Mask

OTHER NAMES: Welder's hand\screen, welding goggles, head screen

SIZE: Lens: 4-1/4 x 3-1/4 and 4-1/8 x 2 in.

MATERIAL: Fiberglass, resin impregnated fibre

USE: To protect the eyes when welding

During the welding process the eyes must be protected against the intense light by a dark lens. This lens is expensive and is therefore protected from breakage and weld spatter by clear glass. The lens may be incorporated in goggles, a hand screen or head screen.

The hand screen provides complete face protection being held with one hand while the work is carried on with the other.Its main advantage lies in the fact that it is easily removed for inspection of the work.

Alternatively, a head screen which is attached to an adjustable harness can be worn, leaving both hands free. The screen itself hinges upward so you can easily move it to view the work. Some welders wear clear goggles under the screen for protection while chipping.

Gloves and Gauntlets

SIZE: Various

MATERIAL: Cotton twill, asbestos, leather, rubber, plastic

USE: To protect the hands against burns

General purpose gloves protect the hands when handling rough or sharp materials. They are sometimes made entirely of leather or may be backed with cotton twill to improve the ventilation. The cuffs may be elasticated or extended to protect the wrists. Some gloves are armored with steel staples for added protection. Heavy rubber gloves which extend over the wrists protect the hands from chemicals and cement.

Most heat-resistant welder's gloves or gauntlets are made of heavy leather or canvas and felt-lined asbestos.

Only wear gloves when operating machinery if absolutely necessary, and take care to prevent them getting caught in the moving parts.

Welder's Apron

SIZE: Length: 38 to 41 in.

MATERIAL: Leather

USE: To protect the welder against flying sparks and molten metal