Table 7-1.--Eye Protection Shade Guidelines
Shade Numbers
Welding Operations
10
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding--l/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32-inch
11
Inert-Gas Metal-Arc Welding--(Nonferrous) 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32-inch electrodes
12
Inert-Gas Metal-Arc Welding--(Ferrous) 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32-inch electrodes
12
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding--3/16, 7/32, 1/4-inch electrodes
14
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding--5/16, 3/8-inch electrodes
12-14
Arc-Air Cutting and Gouging
2
3-4
Torch Brazing
3-4
Light Cutting, up to 1 inch
4-5
Medium Cutting, 1 inch to 6 inches
Heavy Cutting, 6 inches and over
5-6
Gas Welding (Light), up to 1/8-inch
4-5
5-6
Gas Welding (Medium), 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch
Gas Welding (Heavy), 1/2-inch and over
6-8
Some light gas welding and cutting jobs require
welding operations at floor or bench level. Capes
and sleeves are particularly suitable for overhead
no special protective clothing other than gauntlets
welding because the cape protects the back of the
and goggles if the regular work clothing is worn
neck, top of the shoulders, and upper part of the
correctly. Sleeves must be rolled down, collar and
back and chest. Use of the bib in combination with
cuffs buttoned, and pockets that are not protected
the cape and sleeves gives added protection to the
by button-down flaps must be eliminated from the
front of work clothing. Trouser cuffs must not be
chest and abdomen in jobs where protection for the
lower part of the back is not required. The jacket
turned up on the outside. All other clothing must
should be worn only when complete all-around
be free of oil and grease. High-top or safety shoes
protection for the upper part of the body is needed,
should be worn, and low-cut shoes with unprotected
such as when several welders are working near each
tops should NOT be worn. Wearing clothing in the
other. Aprons and overalls provide protection to
manner described decreases the probability that
the legs and therefore are suitable for welding
sparks will lodge in folds of cloth such as rolled-up
operations on the deck or floor.
sleeves and cuffs, pockets, or the shirt collar.
During medium and heavy welding, specially
During overhead welding operations, leather
designed flameproof clothing made of leather, or
caps should be worn under helmets to prevent head
other suitable material, may be required. A wide
burns. Where the welder may be exposed to sharp
choice of protective clothing is available so that you
or heavy falling objects, hard hats or head
protectors should be attached in such a way as to
can select the type required for any particular
form a part of the welding helmet. For very heavy
welding or cutting job.
work, fire-resistant leggings or high boots should be
worn. Shoes or boots having exposed nail heads or
This clothing consists of aprons, sleeves, a
rivets should not be worn. Oilskins or plastic
combination of sleeves and bib, jackets, and overalls.
clothing must not be worn while welding or cutting.
Sleeves provide satisfactory protection for light
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