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745 Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Safety
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745 Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Safety

Overhead Operations

During overhead welding operations, it is important to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against burns and falling objects.

overhead operations
During overhead welding, additional PPE is needed to protect against burns and falling objects.

1. Head and Face Protection

  • Leather Caps: Always wear a leather welding cap under the helmet to protect against head burns caused by sparks and molten metal.
  • Welding Helmets: Ensure that the helmet provides adequate coverage and fits securely to prevent exposure to falling debris.
  • Hard Hats and Head Protectors: In areas where welders may be exposed to falling objects, a hard hat or head protector should be attached to the welding helmet for added protection.

2. Upper Body and Arm Protection

  • Flame-Resistant Jackets or Sleeves: Use flame-resistant, leather, or fire-retardant welding jackets or sleeves to prevent burns from falling slag and sparks.
  • Gauntlet-Style Welding Gloves: Wear long heat-resistant gloves that extend over the sleeves to protect against burns and hot metal splatter.

3. Eye Protection

  • Safety Goggles or Glasses: In addition to a welding helmet, ANSI-approved safety goggles or glasses should be worn underneath to protect against flying particles and UV exposure.

4. Leg and Foot Protection

  • Welding Chaps or Leggings: Leather welding chaps or leggings provide protection against molten metal falling onto the lower body.
  • Steel-Toe Boots with Metatarsal Guards: Wear high-top, steel-toe boots with metatarsal guards to protect feet from burns and falling objects.

5. Work Area Safety Measures

  • Fire-Resistant Barriers: Position fire-resistant welding blankets or curtains below the work area to catch falling sparks and slag, preventing damage to surrounding equipment or personnel.
  • Adequate Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation or use local exhaust systems to remove welding fumes and prevent toxic exposure.

For more information on welding PPE, see the Personal Protective Equipment poster by Lincoln Electric.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-6. What should welders use to prevent burns when welding overhead?

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