What type of PPE is available when welding? The chart below summarizes the types of personal protective equipment that can be used when welding. Welding - Personal Protective Equipment Body Part Equipment Illustration Reason Eyes and face Welding helmet, hand shield, or goggles Protects from: radiation ot slag, sparks intense light irritation and chemical burns Wear fire resistant head coverings under the helmet where appropriate Lungs (breathing) Respirators Protects against: fumes and oxides Exposed skin (other than feet,  hands, and head) Fire/Flame resistant clothing and aprons Protects against: eat, fires burns Notes: pants should not have cuffs, shirts should have flaps over pockets or be taped closed Ears - hearing Ear muffs, ear plugs Protects against: noise Use fire resistant ear plugs where sparks or splatter may enter the ear. Feet and hands Boots, gloves Protects against: electric shock eat burns fires Why is eye protection important? Eye injury can occur from the intense light and radiation that a welding arc can produce.  Eye injury can also occur from hot slag that can fly off from the weld during cooling, chipping or grinding. Protect your eyes from welding light by wearing a welder's helmet fitted with a filter shade that is suitable for the type of welding you are doing. ALWAYS wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when chipping or grinding a work piece if you are not wearing a welding helmet. What type of eye and face protection is appropriate for my welding task? The various types