Safety should always be a top priority, no matter where you work. But this is especially true in the world of metalworking. The equipment that shapes and manipulates metal can be dangerous if you don’t use it correctly. That’s where proper safety gear comes in. Let’s look at the proper safety gear when operating metalworking equipment and why always wearing the right protective gear when working with metal is essential. 

Respiratory Protection

Many metalworking tasks create hazardous dust and fumes you don’t want to breathe in. You’ll want to wear a respirator to protect your lungs from various tasks, such as grinding, welding, and plasma cutting. Picking the right respirator for the job is essential, so make sure to choose a NIOSH-approved one. A powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) may be necessary for some high-risk tasks.

Hand and Body Protection

Protecting your hands and body is essential for metalworking. Welders, for example, need thick leather gloves and a welding jacket to shield their skin from sparks and heat. When using power tools, wear cut-resistant gloves. Additionally, steel-toed boots are recommended to protect your feet from heavy metal objects.

Hearing Protection

Depending on the type of metalworking you’re doing, you may experience exposure to loud noises that can damage your hearing. Whether earplugs or earmuffs, the right hearing protection to fit your needs is important. Some jobs, such as plasma cutting, may require extra protection, such as electronic ear muffs that filter out loud sounds while still letting you hear speech and other important sounds.

Heat Protection

Finally, consider heat protection when working with metal. Welders, for example, should wear fire-resistant clothing to protect themselves from sparks and heat. Additionally, welding helmets should have a minimum shade level of 10 to protect the eyes from UV and IR radiation. For forging or foundry work, aluminized aprons and hood covers are important.

Staying safe in the shop is crucial, and using the proper safety gear can protect you from harm when working with metal. Not wearing proper safety gear is just one of the common mistakes when using metalworking equipment and can easily cause injury. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe work environment and prevent accidents from occurring in your shop. 

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