WELDING DEVICES / FIELD NOTESBEFORE THE FIRST ARC
Welding masks and helmets: what to check before buying
Passive or auto-darkening? Compare shade range, arc detection, fit and replacement lenses.
EQUIPMENT / SAFETY GEARChoose protection
Choose protection
for the whole job.
Welding masks, gloves and the rest of your kit. Understand what each item is for, what to check and how the pieces work together.
FROM THE FIRST CUT TO THE LAST WELD
Know your protection.
| Equipment | Where to start | Compare before buying | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding masks & helmets | Compare passive and auto-darkening arc protection. | Shade range, process support, sensors, fit and spare lenses. | Open guide ↗ |
| Welding gloves | Match hand protection and dexterity to the work. | Intended use, heat and spatter protection, cuffs and fit. | Open guide ↗ |
| Jackets, aprons & sleeves | Select a welding-appropriate clothing system. | Documented protection, coverage, condition and care. | Open guide ↗ |
| Protective boots | Plan footwear for the work environment. | Task suitability, fit and protection from sparks and handling hazards. | Open guide ↗ |
| Safety glasses & face shields | Plan for preparation, welding and cleanup. | Impact rating, task limitations and helmet compatibility. | Open guide ↗ |
| Hearing protection | Assess noise from the whole workflow. | Required attenuation and fit with other PPE. | Open guide ↗ |
| Respirators & powered systems | Select respiratory protection for assessed exposure. | Contaminants, protection rating, face fit, filters and maintenance. | Open guide ↗ |
| Extraction & welding screens | Plan source capture and nearby-person protection. | Capture performance, layout, servicing and screen suitability. | Open guide ↗ |
TWO DIFFERENT MASKSA welding helmet protects your eyes and face.
A welding helmet protects your eyes and face.
A respirator addresses the air you breathe.
Choose both as part of the assessed setup. A standard welding helmet does not provide respiratory protection.
Explore workspace and process safety ↗SOURCE-LINKED BUYING GUIDES
Understand your kit.
4 guides
WELDING DEVICES / FIELD NOTESBEFORE THE FIRST ARC
Welding gloves: match heat protection and control to the job
Understand the difference between fine torch control and protection from heavier heat and spatter.
WELDING DEVICES / FIELD NOTESBEFORE THE FIRST ARC
Beyond the helmet: clothing, boots, eyes and hearing
Build a complete protection kit for welding, preparation and clean-up.
WELDING DEVICES / FIELD NOTESBEFORE THE FIRST ARC
Welding respirators and extraction: two different jobs
Why a welding helmet is not a respirator, and why moving air is not the same as capturing fume.