Because welders are often exposed to excessive ultraviolet light, infrared radiation and heat from the electric arc, this can lead to eye inflammation and wear and tear, a condition known as “welder’s eye”. This problem can be effectively prevented by wearing a high-quality welding helmet that protects welders from other injuries on the job.

Welders are often exposed to hot molten metal and high temperatures during their work. A welder’s helmet is the most important piece of protective equipment for welders. A quality welder’s helmet can effectively protect welders. Although the ultimate goal of wearing a welding helmet is to protect the user from the visible and invisible rays of the welding arc, not all helmets have the same design and type. Choosing the best welding helmet for your specific needs from the many brands and information available can be a very difficult problem, and in this case it is often difficult to determine which welding helmet best suits your needs. Safety and comfort are among the most important considerations when choosing a quality welding helmet. However, there are other factors to consider as well.

Safety Standards

In the United States, welding helmets must meet ANSI standards, and in Canada, CSA standards.

One of the most important features of any helmet is safety and compliance, and this should be the primary goal when purchasing a welding helmet. Only welding helmets that meet safety standards can ensure that welding goggles protect welders from anything that could affect their eyes, including ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Safety standards must come first.

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Passive Helmets and Auto-darkening Helmets

Passive helmets have a dark lens that usually has a fixed tint value of 10. The dark lens is used when the helmet is in the down position. The lens will be in dark mode and will not switch from dark to light mode. Although these helmets are generally very light, it is necessary to remove the helmet when inspecting welds because it is not possible to permanently select dark mode and dark lenses. This can hinder some welding processes and make it difficult to see the work area between welds.

Helmets with automatic darkening are suitable for all levels of welding, from amateur to professional. Auto-darkening helmets combine the economy of a fixed visor with the benefits of automatic dimming. Variable shades allow you to choose your preferred shade, so you can customize it for different welding processes and applications. Colors range from #8 for low amperage and #13 for high amperage. When the helmet is in the down position, you can see the weld seam and its surroundings through the lighted mirror so you can clearly see and evaluate it. When the welding arc is turned on, the helmet automatically dims to the proper color. If most welding jobs involve similar materials and the same welding process, an auto-darkening helmet with a fixed shield may be the right choice.

Welding Helmet Weight

The weight of a welding helmet is an important factor to consider when choosing a welding helmet. Ideally, a welding helmet should be lightweight and comfortable to wear. Heavy welding helmets are not suitable for prolonged use; they can cause severe neck pain and reduce productivity.

Welding Helmet Size

Undersized or ill-fitting helmets may not provide good eye protection and require constant movement of the helmet to properly fit the head while working, which not only hinders proper work, but also does not provide effective eye and face protection.

Regardless of the type of welding process used, welders must wear high quality PPE for safety and protection. Make sure you get a high quality welding helmet that has the features you need and adjustable controls that are easy to use and conveniently located. T-safety supports orders for high quality welding helmets, so contact us if you have any ideas for making your own helmet.