Personal Protective Equipment
Welding produces intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation, molten metal spatter, and toxic fumes — all of which demand proper PPE before striking an arc. Your welding helmet is the most critical piece: it must carry an appropriate shade rating (shade 9 for low-amperage TIG, shade 10–13 for MIG and stick). Auto-darkening helmets switch from a light state to the correct shade within 1/25,000 of a second, protecting your retinas from arc flash while letting you see the joint clearly before welding. Leather gauntlet gloves protect your hands from spatter and radiant heat; TIG welders often use thinner gloves to maintain fine dexterity. A leather jacket or flame-resistant sleeves prevent burns from spatter landing on skin. Never wear synthetic fabrics near the arc — they melt rather than char. Steel-toed boots and long pants complete the ensemble. Inspect every piece of PPE before each session: check helmet lenses for cracks, verify glove integrity, and confirm no frayed edges on leather gear.