16. Welding Helmet

A welding helmet is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in welding to protect the eyes, face, and neck from flash burn, sparks, infrared and ultraviolet light, and intense heat. The modern welding helmet used today was first introduced in 1937 by Willson Products.

Welding helmets are most commonly used in arc welding processes such as shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding. They are necessary to prevent arc eye, a painful condition where the cornea is inflamed.

Welding helmets come in a variety of sizes and features to fit the needs of different welders. Some features to consider when choosing a welding helmet include:

• Shade: The shade of the lens determines how much light is blocked. The higher the shade number, the darker the lens and the more protection it provides.
• Side shields: Side shields protect the welder's eyes from sparks and slag.
• Fit: The welding helmet should fit snugly to the head to prevent sparks and light from entering.

Welding helmets are an essential piece of PPE for any welder. By choosing the right helmet and using it properly, welders can protect themselves from serious injuries.

Here are some additional safety tips for welders:

• Always wear a welding helmet when welding.
• Never look directly at the arc without eye protection.
• Use a welding screen to protect other people from the arc flash.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to protect your skin from sparks and heat.
• Use a respirator to filter out welding fumes.