PDFWAC 296-307-50005

Protective clothing for welders.

(1) Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations must be protected by personal protective equipment according to the requirements of chapter 296-307 WAC Part H. Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed.
(2) The following suggestions may be helpful when choosing protective clothing:
(a) Except when engaged in light work, all welders should wear flameproof gauntlet gloves.
(b) Flameproof aprons made of leather, asbestos, or other suitable material may help to protect against radiated heat and sparks.
(c) Woolen clothing is better than cotton because it is less easily ignited and helps to 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 should be reasonably free from oil or grease.
(d) Sparks may lodge in rolled-up sleeves, pockets, or cuffs. Therefore sleeves and collars should be buttoned, and clothing should have no front pockets. Trousers or overalls should be uncuffed.
(e) For heavy work, fire-resistant leggings, high boots, or other equivalent means should be used.
(f) In production work a sheet metal screen in front of the employee's legs can provide further protection against sparks and molten metal in cutting operations.
(g) Capes or shoulder covers made of leather or other suitable materials should be worn during overhead welding or cutting operations. Leather skull caps may be worn under helmets to prevent head burns.
(h) For welding and cutting overhead or in extremely confined spaces, ear protection is sometimes desirable.
(i) Where there is exposure to sharp or heavy falling objects, or a hazard of bumping in confined spaces, hard hats or head protectors must be used.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-50005, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. WSR 98-24-096, § 296-307-50005, filed 12/1/98, effective 3/1/99. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-50005, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-50005, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]