In certain industries, welding helmets are an indispensable asset for employees and businesses. After all, the sheer electromagnetic energy given off by welding flames can put workers at risk for eye injuries, and welding helmets have been proven to succeed at helping companies increase worker safety while decreasing their liabilities. Read More(+)
Further, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that great welding helmets must do more than simply providing ocular protection. According to the organization, "when there is a potential for objects to fly in workers' eyes and face, the protective device(s) selected must provide side protection."
Still, while the benefits of quality welding helmets are clear, differences in each specific product and brand will need to be considered by employers. Some aspects of welding helmet design that need to be analyzed include the helmet's:
Durability and weight - Great welding helmets should also stand up to abuse from the employees who are using them. Moisture and impact resistant helmets, as well as those that won't crack, split or chip, allow for the most worker safety in all settings. Still, employers want employees to be able to move flexibly should they need to. Maintaining a balance between durability and weight therefore may be an employer's desired goal.
Shade - Both fixed-shades and variable shade welding helmets are available to employers. Fixed shades may be more beneficial in instances where the material and thickness of the material are constant, creating a limited amperage range. In more volatile settings, variable shades, which adjust to a wide range of shades, may better protect workers.
Viewing size - Different welding helmets will offer employees wider viewing. For instance, welding shields are available with wide-view face shields that allow employees to switch between settings depending on their environment.
No matter your welding shield needs, at U.S. Safety & Supply, we offer the wide range of welding helmets, welding goggles, Grinding and Cutting spectacles, and helmet shrouds that employers need to keep their employees from harm.
