There are a variety of protective welding gears available from the head to foot protection. So let's discuss them one by one for the betterment and safety of your body.
Head
welding helmet
When you are welding your head and face come into the direct contact with the fire splashes. To prevent the danger, you need to wear a welding shield, helmet, respirator and glasses.
Helmets
welding helmets
There are many auto-darkening welding helmets available that help you to protect from the dangerous fire sparks. Helmets usually have built-in lenses and cover the full face. So must wear the welding helmets for your eye protection and face safety. They are not that expensive these days and you can pick one up from $50: https://www.weldingsuperstore.com.au/welding-helmets
Glasses
welding glasses
Glasses only cover your eyes, but not provide full-face protection. It is the best option when dealing with the difficult situation to tackle with the helmet. Most commonly it is used with the welding torch applications.
Respirators
respirator
The respirator is the crucial part. When you provide heat to the metal, produce certain toxic gasses into the air like magnesium or zinc fumes. These can cause various health problems like asthma or lung cancers.
Many welders often skip the respirators, but it is not a good practice. Wear respirators with proper filter masks so you will protect yourself.
Chest, arms and hands
welding jackets
Chest, arms and hands are also close to the hot sparks of melted metals. So don't sacrifice on the safety of yourself by getting cheap jackets or safety sleeves.
Jackets
Jackets provide full protection. Make sure they are made of firm, fireproof material. The simple apron doesn't offer as much protection as welding jacket as it also protect your arms, chest and neck from fire, heat and the metals.
Welding sleeves
If you are doing the small welding task, then safety sleeves also work best. Make sure you choose the material according to your job requirement. Otherwise, safety jackets are preferable than simple sleeves. It only protects your arm and the fingers.
Aprons and bibs
For the summer season, aprons and bibs also protect the chest. Aprons made of heavier materials like leather meet the safety requirements and breathe in the hot workplaces.
It also provides some extra protection to the upper parts of the legs and lap area. So you can use it in the summer season.
Gloves
Gloves are the must while welding. Find the best pair of gloves according to your desired design and shape. Make sure gloves perfectly fit your hand, and you can quickly grab the welding apparatus.
Legs and feet
If you were all the above safety gears but your legs and feet are still at risk. So try to cover them as well with protective materials.
Welding chaps
Welding chaps protect the legs. It comes in two forms: pants and the overall bib-style chap. Get according to your requirement, and protect your legs. Welding pants are better than the apron-style chaps as they provide full coverage.
Boots
The welder must have the shoes that protect their feet from the heat and fire or metal splashes. Leather boots also provide enough protection. But the leather boots with steel caps work best for the welder feet protection.