Face Protection, Welding Helmets, Face Shields and Welding Lenses:

When it comes to face protection protecting ones eyes safety should be a top priority. Face protection is one of the most important types of safety equipment that can be used in a hazardous environment. Welders put themselves at high risk of eye injury daily and without wearing the proper safety equipment are just asking for an injury. More then 10,600 accidents occur in the construction field, with the highest rate of injuries to the eyes then any other industry.

When welding, one should always wear the proper face protection such as welding helmets, face shields and welding lenses. This is by no means an exclusive list of welding safety equipment as there are other types of protection that should be considered if the situation dictates such as safety goggles or safety glasses.

Welding helmets play an important role in the eye protection safety equipment required through OSHA for welders. They not only protect the welders’ eyes but their head, neck, and face from unnecessary injury. Proper face protection is a key component in protecting a welder’s face from exposure to bright light, flames, intense heat and molten metal sparks.

Welding helmets come in various categories that are separated by welding lenses that protect against arc rays and molten metal sparks. The type of welding being performed will determine the appropriate welding lense for the job. However, welding helmets with shade filters lenses should always be used in conjunction with protective eyewear such as safety glasses or welding goggles with side shields. Those who wear prescription contact lenses should make sure that their goggles are vented and all safety glasses or goggles must meet the American National Standards Institutes (ANSI) safety requirements. Anyone assisting a welder in a task should also wear protective eyewear and a welder’s helmet.

The type of lens required for a welding job will depend on three things; the intensity of radiant light produced, background lighting, and if filter lens is standard or reflective. For example, when wearing a welding helmet with a standard filter lens, while torch soldering indoor you would use a minimum of a #2 lens but while plasma arc welding indoor you would use a minimum of a #11 lens.

With the numerous styles of welding helmets approved by OSHA a welder is bound to find one with the comfort needed that meets the requirement of the task. There is no reason for any welder to become part of the statistics in eye injuries or any other face/head injuries when there is effective protective eyewear available and mandated.

For quick answers to your questions regarding all of your Face Protection needs, fill out our contact form or call New York Safety Equipment today at 631-563-1677 or 516-458-3563 for additional information.