3.1 General Requirements

Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations will use proper personal protective equipment. Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed. The university will provide equipment for employees.The following protective clothing may be employed based on the job hazard assessment:

Except when engaged in light work, all welders should wear flameproof gauntlet gloves.

Flameproof aprons made of leather, or other suitable material may also be desirable as protection against radiated heat and sparks.

Woolen clothing is preferable to cotton because it is not so readily ignited and helps protect the welder from changes in temperature. Cotton clothing, if used, should be chemically treated to reduce its combustibility. All outer clothing such as jumpers or overalls must be reasonably free from oil or grease.

Sparks may lodge in rolled-up sleeves or pockets of clothing, or cuffs of overalls or trousers. It is therefore recommended that sleeves and collars be kept buttoned and pockets be eliminated from the front of overalls and aprons. Trousers or overalls should not be turned up on the outside. *Note: For heavy work, fire-resistant leggings, high boots, or other equivalent fire resistant clothing should be used.

Jackets or shoulder covers made of leather or other suitable materials must be worn during overhead welding or cutting operations. Leather skull caps should be worn under helmets to prevent head burns.

3.2 Eye and Face Protective Wear (See Appendix A)

Eye protection sufficient to protect the worker from harmful radiation must be used. Employees in the area not protected from the arc by screening must be protected by filter lenses meeting the standard requirements. When two or more welders are exposed to each other’s arc, filter lens goggles must be worn under welding helmets. Hand shields to protect the welder against flashes and radiant energy should be used when either the helmet is lifted or the shield is removed.

Employees whose vision requires the use of corrective lenses must be protected by goggles or eyeglasses of one of the following types:

Eyeglasses whose protective lenses provide optical correction;

Goggles that can be worn over corrective lenses without disturbing the adjustment of the glasses.

Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses.

Face and eye protection equipment must be kept clean and in good repair. The use of this type equipment with structural or optical defects is prohibited.

The table in the appendix at the end of this chapter should be used as a guide in the selection of face and eye protection for the hazards and operations noted.