Welding Helmets

Working with lasers and similar light sources can be extremely dangerous. A laser beam with enough power can be more harmful to your eyes than staring directly into the sun. When lasers produce radiation, everyone in the work area (not just the workers themselves) should wear proper eye protection.

When it comes to welding helmets, keep one thing in mind: Only filter lenses with the appropriate shade number will properly protect you against optical radiation. Choose welding equipment with the right shade number according to the intensity of visible light and the specific task at hand. A general rule of thumb is to start off with a shade too dark to see the welding zone, then try lighter shades until you find one that allows you to see the welding zone without damaging your eyes.

Welding helmets and protectors are made from heat-resistant materials like vulcanized fiber or fiberglass. They are fitted with filter lenses designed to protect the worker's eyes from burns or other damage caused by infrared or other radiant energy. They are insulated from heat and electricity and are designed to resist fire and flame. In addition, they protect the eyes and face from sparks, molten metal splashes, and slag chips produced during welding, brazing, soldering, or cutting.

Despite all of this, welding helmets are secondary protectors, so make sure they are paired with goggles or safety spectacles. Remember that welding goggles do not provide face protection, so keep that in mind when selecting a combination of primary and secondary protectors.

Many welding helmets come with removable cover and filter plates, which are available in a variety of filter lens shades.

To learn more about Eye & Face Protection visit our Eye & Face Protection Online Training web page.