Welder workwear

Whether you are a professional welder working on an oil rig , or a simple worker in a welding workshop, you must always have appropriate clothing for your work.

Why wear protective clothing?

The welder is exposed to multiple risks such as thermal risks, risks of burns as well as those related to radiation, handling live parts, chemicals, etc.

Thus, it is necessary to wear adequate and efficient protective equipment, so as not to have to undergo various constraints:

Impacts on the skin: perforation, burn, wound and cut.

Respiratory problems: pathologies caused by welding fumes which are irritating and toxic. Diseases directly affecting the respiratory system such as asthma, siderosis, etc.

Eye diseases: keratoconjunctivitis, retinal lesions or severe visual fatigue, caused by UV radiation generated by welding processes.

Standards established for welder clothing

Welding clothing is subject to EN 11611 and EN 11612 standards, for protective clothing used for welding and related techniques. These standards therefore govern all workwear for welders such as trousers, jackets , combinations, etc.

The EN 11611 standard

These garments protect workers from the risk of molten metal splashes, short-term contact with a flame, radiant heat from an electric arc, and the risk of electrocution, when working. welding.

The choice of a good EN 11611 garment therefore depends on two main criteria.

First, depending on the welding technique used. On the one hand, manual welding with a slight risk of spatter and droplets (gas welding, brazing, etc.). On the other hand, manual welding with a high risk of spatter and droplets (MMA welding, gouging, thermal spraying, etc.)

Then, depending on the environmental conditions, which depends on the type of machinery used (oxygen cutting, plasma cutting, etc.) and the workspace ( in confined spaces, when welding/cutting in awkward positions).

The EN 11612 standard

This defines the test methods and requirements in terms of performance levels for clothing against heat and flames. The tests are carried out on the materials making up the garment tested. The flame propagation test is used to evaluate the burning time and hole formation on a garment. There is the convention heat resistance test, the radiant heat resistance test and the contact heat resistance test.

Furthermore, the normEN 61112 causes the presence of an overlap of at least 20 cm between the jacket and the trousers. There should be no cuffs on the sleeves and trouser legs, and the outer pockets should not have wider flaps. Closures must have a protective flap, and there must be a 15 cm distance closure between the buttons and the enclosures. Pants that have a side slit at the leg must be closable and have a flap.

Caring for work clothes for welders

To preserve the lifespan and the degree of protection of the garments, they must be well maintained. To do this, it is recommended to clean the clothes well to release bad odors and other residues. It is also necessary to opt for a regular check of the condition of the garment. Then they must be stored dry in a clean place away from moisture. They must also be protected from dust and contamination from flammable or combustible products. Finally, you should consider getting new clothes when they are worn, torn, or punctured, as this can affect its performance.

Where to find reliable clothing for welding?

For workers and employees, protective clothing must be provided and paid for by the employer. But if you have to buy your outfit, you can go to stores and sites specializing in PPE. On site, a professional will guide and advise you in choosing appropriate clothing. Here you will find a wide range of workwear for welders, with a range of choices between different brands and models. There is