5 things to consider when buying a Safety Helmet

When welding, welders are exposed to numerous hazards. To protect themselves, there are various industrial safety equipments that they need to utilize and the welding helmet is among them. Helmets shield welders from infrared and ultraviolet radiations, bright visible light, grinding particles and spatter. All the afore-mentioned hazards have the potential of harm with the eyes being the most susceptible.

Before you buy a safety helmet, the most crucial part to consider is the lenses. Vision is imperative in welding, and therefore, the lenses must provide a good view of the weld and simultaneously protect your eyes. With the recent milestones in technology, different types of glasses are available to suit every specific need. 

The market is flooded with safety helmet manufacturers producing different types of helmets of different quality and prices, background research must be conducted prior to purchase. This article was inspired by the guidelines for selecting the best welding helmet.

Guidelines for selecting the Best Welding Helmet

Here are some things to know while selecting the best welding helmet, these are-

1. Type of Lenses Utilized

The eyes being at the highest risk of deteriorating damage by the welding arc, it must be given ultimate protection. This is achieved by the lenses which are made in a passive and auto-darkening variety. Passive achieves its protection role, but its functionality is limited to welding times only as it restricts vision in normal conditions due to its non-variable #10 shade value.

Alternatively, auto-darkening lenses are equipped with light sensors that increase and reduce the shade intensity according to the prevailing lighting conditions. These lenses permit vision even in non-welding environments allowing welders to have them on at all times. They also provide complete ultraviolet and infrared shielding.

2. Viewing Area

The vision scope of the industrial safety helmet influences the performance of the welder and hence, the quality of work done. A wide vision scope will limit the rotations of the neck, keeping fatigue and injury risks at an all-time low. 

Low viewing area forces welders to turn multiple times when welding and restricts the ability to see the objects in your surroundings, thereby increasing the chances of an accident due to poor vision. 

3. Welding Helmet Design and Comfort

Owing to the fact that our heads are not of the same size and shape, helmets must be made to either fit or accommodate a wide range of sizes. If not, it should have adjustments that allow for a custom comfortable fit. Neck protection and weight distribution mechanism should be included in a perfect welding head protection.

4. Power Source

Solar-powered helmets are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, they are not exactly the welders’ best friend due to its dependence on the availability of light. Replaceable batteries though expensive, are preferred due to their convenience and ease of use.

5. Helmet Versatility

Welding jobs vary, and it is tedious, expensive, and almost crazy to have a helmet for each specific operation. Consider buying a helmet that will see you through all your duties with no compromise on your protection. It should be highly adaptable to changes and used effectively both for welding and grinding.