Frequently asked questions around welding masks

To help our customers understand more about welding helmets and masks, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions around them. This should help you work out exactly what kind of welding helmet you need to perform your application safely and accurately.

CAN YOU WELD WITHOUT A MASK?

You should never weld without a mask. Your eyes would be exposed to dangerous sparks, which can lead to sigificant eye injurires and even blindness. Wearing a welding helmet also protects your face from burns and reduce dangerous fumes entering your body. Aside from the safety concerns, it will also be extremely difficult to see exactly what you’re welding without a mask, due to the extremely bright lights involved.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES OF WELDING HELMETS?

Air fed and auto darkening welding masks are the most popular types of welding helmet, both offering significant benefits compared to regular manual welding shield and visors. Additionally, we do also offer powered air respirators which are extremely useful for other construction settings, but not welding.

HOW DANGEROUS CAN WELDING FUMES BE?

Fumes are one of the biggest factors that a welding helmet deals with. The presence of higher levels of chromium and nickel in stainless steel significantly increases the toxicity of welding fumes compared to those from mild steel. Additionally, welding aluminum can produce ozone, which may lead to symptoms such as watery eyes and sore throats. Prolonged exposure to welding fumes is associated with serious health risks, including pneumonia, asthma, cancer and reduced lung function. In response to these hazards, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) updated its enforcement guidelines in February 2019, mandating appropriate safety measures for all welding activities in the workplace, including air fed helmets. Recent scientific studies have also established a link between mild steel welding fumes and certain types of cancer, underscoring the need for stringent controls during such welding processes. Clearly, you need to consider the importance of welding masks to prevent any of these issues.

WHAT’S A WELDING HOOD?

A welding hood is another term for welding helmet or mask. The three terms are now largely interchangeable within the welding industry, with the products all offering protection for your eyes, face and head while welding.

HOW TO SELECT A WELDING HELMET

There are five main considerations to explore when choosing which welding mask/helmet is the one for you.

• How well the helmet fits on your head – it’s likely you’ll be wearing this helmet fairly often and for lengthy periods of time, so comfort and a consistent fit is important.
• The size of the viewing area – the field of vision you have through your mask is another consideration. Wider views give a better view of the arc, puddle and workpiece, while smaller viewing areas may increase concentration.
• How clear the lens is – there is a clarity rating system called CE Optical Classification, which is available for all our products. A 1/1/1/1 rating is the optimum visual clarity for a welding helmet.
• Auto-darkening or passive lenses – the development of auto-darkening welding masks means most welders plump for them over passive lenses which stay at one set shade.
• Should I choose an air-fed welding helmet? – It is recommended by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) to use air fed welding masks in order to reduce exposure to welding fumes and lessen the risk of cancer.

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