A welding suit is a mandatory attribute of a master when carrying out welding work. Its purpose is to provide protection against sparks and metal drops, as well as thermal effects, while allowing freedom of movement. In other words, welding clothing should be comfortable, well protected, correspond to the specifics of the work and the microclimate of the area where it is performed, and also suit the preferences of the master himself.
How to choose a welding suit
The workwear market is saturated with welding suits of various configurations, each of which is designed for specific working conditions. When choosing, you should focus on appearance last, and the criteria that really matter are given below.
Equipment
The welding suit is worn over ordinary clothing. The very concept of “suit” is one of two configuration options, consisting of trousers and a jacket. Instead of straight-cut trousers, dungarees with adjustable straps are sometimes used. A special feature is that when performing any operation, the jacket overlaps the upper part of the trousers by at least 200 mm.
The second configuration option is a one-piece jumpsuit, that is, here the upper and lower parts are connected and integral. This prevents sparks from accidentally penetrating under clothing. The jumpsuit is not blown, has a central fastener and a straight silhouette. It is more difficult to remove in case of an unforeseen situation, such as a fire. Additional elements of the costume can include a pair of armbands, an apron, a helmet, and more.
Material
The protective characteristics of the suit directly depend on the material used in production. The most common type here is tarpaulin (canvas), which is made from linen and cotton yarn. The density of the fabric, as a rule, is 400-600 g/m2, it is treated with impregnation with anti-rot, water-repellent and fire-resistant properties. The result of this treatment is the formation of a film that is resistant to burning and moisture penetration.
Other materials are also used in production:
- Split leather – provides protection from sparks and metal drops. Both the entire top layer of the suit and its individual parts, which act as reinforcements, are made from split leather. Split often covers precisely those elements of the welding uniform that are most likely to be exposed to splashes, sparks and scale during operation. The material does not allow air to pass through, but this problem is solved by perforating it.
- Suede - also used for the manufacture of the entire product or its parts. The material is soft to the touch and easily tolerates moisture and high temperatures.
- Hephaestus fabric is an alternative to canvas fabric; it contains pure cotton and has a smooth surface from which drops of metal literally flow without burning. It is essentially a satin weave with a fire retardant finish.
- Moleskin fabric is extremely durable, has a smooth surface and is made from cotton. The dense structure ensures good air exchange, which, coupled with a special fire-resistant impregnation, makes the material attractive for the manufacture of welding suits.
- Aramid fabric - based on aromatic polyamides. The fabric has the highest heat resistance and resistance to mechanical damage and impact.
When making welding suits, manufacturers often use Thermol, a material that is a type of aramid fabric.
Seasonality
Based on the climatic conditions for using the suits, they are divided into:
- Summer - made from any dense fabric that can “breathe”, for example, tarpaulin, aramid. They are suitable for work both outdoors and in workshop conditions, and in the latter case they can also be used in winter if the room is heated.
- Winter ones use exactly the same materials, but the suits are additionally equipped with insulating layers made of padding polyester or batting. The insulating lining can be either fastened or stitched, and the main requirements for it are high strength, resistance to chemical and physical influences, and hygroscopicity.
Some manufacturers produce demi-season welding overalls, which are a thickened summer version.
Design features
Welding suits are almost always made with a straight silhouette and have various design additions that make them easier to wear daily and perform work tasks:
- Sleeves that follow the curve of the arm at the elbow provide freedom of movement and eliminate the formation of folds where molten metal or scale could get trapped.
- The pockets are made closed or with the entrance deviated by a maximum of 10 degrees. It all depends on their location.
- The fasteners that the jackets are equipped with are closed with a strap to avoid contact with welding equipment and are often shifted to the side relative to the center.
- The microclimate on clothing is adjusted through the ventilation holes.
When making a suit, its individual parts are connected to each other with reinforced threads.
Protection level
Another parameter that should be given special attention when choosing a welding suit is its protection class:
- The first is the minimum level of protection. Such suits are used exclusively in cases where the distance from the employee to the source of sparks is at least 2 meters.
- The second is models with more secure equipment. Here the minimum distance is 0.5 m. In other words, to perform welding work manually, you need a model of at least this class.
- The third is the maximum protection that welders need when working inside various containers, in confined spaces, and so on. Such overalls can be used for oxygen cutting of metal.
Why do you need workwear?
Workwear is not just a set of equipment with the name of the manufacturer's brand. It is important that it meets the requirements of the production where it will be used, has a certain color and material quality. When looking at a specific worker, the expert will immediately be able to understand what class of clothing he sees in front of him. Here are the two main classes of workwear:
- Corporate. In this case, the main task is to stand out from competing enterprises and companies (this is done using special colors or special emblems and symbols).
- Protective form. Such equipment, first of all, must protect the employee from possible external influences or from products resulting from external influences.
The second class includes the following types of special clothing:
- Uniform for doctors. It must, above all, be hygienic, practical, comfortable and durable. This group includes: protective masks and headbands, suits, caps and gowns.
- Items with reflective inserts. This form requirement is especially important for professionals who have to work in low-light conditions.
- Clothing that can protect from external factors and temperature changes. Such equipment must withstand moisture and oil. Withstand the lowest possible or, conversely, high temperatures. To achieve this, manufacturers additionally insulate such equipment using high-quality and lightweight materials. This group also includes dressings and respirators.
Thus, special clothing allows us to solve many issues in terms of ensuring normal working conditions for the employee.
The best winter suit for a welder
TS-83 type B produced by Energokontrakt was created for use in climate zones I-III; it additionally received a helmet that fully complies with all three protection classes. The suit is based on Thermol, which is a type of aramid. The highest risk areas have a density of 500 g/m2, and where such reliable protection is not required, for example, on the back of the sleeves, the density is 310 g/m2. The kit also includes a removable insulation, since without it the kit is too “light” in winter.
The suit jacket has an offset zipper protected by a placket, and there are 3 pockets that are positioned to prevent sparks from entering them. The sleeves are adjustable in width, and there are elbow pads with inserts made of shock-absorbing material. The trousers also have shock-absorbing knee pads, 2 pockets, and adjustable straps. The belt, made from a sling, can be removed. The helmet included in the kit is also made of Thermol. It has, like other parts, a polymer coating and an insulating lining, is universal, and its adjustment is carried out with lacing.
Characteristics
- Type – suit with helmet.
- Protection: 1-3 class.
- Upper material: Thermol.
- Material density: 500 g/m2 and 310 g/m2.
- The insulation is removable.
pros
- removable lining;
- the helmet fits any head size;
- thoughtful placement of pockets prevents scale from getting into them;
- presence of SVL on the back;
- shock-absorbing elbow pads;
- heat resistance;
- strength;
- resistance to mechanical stress.
Minuses
- The material of the suit is afraid of water.
Best Canvas Welder Suit
“Argon” is a summer suit produced by Avangard-Spetsodezhda, which has a high degree of protection during welding work, as well as from the thermal effects of open flames and, in principle, infrared radiation. The set includes a jacket and trousers made of tarpaulin fabric that has received fire-resistant impregnation. The density of the uniform is quite standard - 500 g/m2, the suit cannot be washed, ironed or bleached, but this is not a problem, since the tarpaulin is resistant to general industrial pollution.
The kit units are manufactured in accordance with GOST. The jacket has a straight silhouette, there are side pockets and elbow pads, and of increased density. There are ventilation holes to maintain air exchange. The trousers also have pockets, are made straight, and pads on the knees are similar to the elbows. The comfort of using the suit is increased due to the cotton fabric at the collar.
Characteristics
- Type – set of jacket and trousers.
- Material: tarpaulin.
- Density – 500 g/m2.
- Weight – 1.72 kg.
pros
- reinforcement pads on the knees and elbows;
- the cotton fabric on the collar does not rub the neck;
- the presence of ventilation holes.
Minuses
- Can't be washed. Cleaning is carried out only on the basis of perchlorethylene;
ZEUS PLUS-3
This product has made it to the top of the best welding suits because of its durability and reliability. The model corresponds to protection class 3. The material is resistant to abrasion, which increases the service life of the workwear.
Also, splashes from hot metal, as well as various contaminants, do not accumulate on the fabric. The product reliably protects against strong gusts of wind. In addition to the suit, the package includes a hood and a special insulated lining.
The collar is high, which protects the neck from frost. Reflective lines and ventilation holes are provided. The knees have holes for reinforced padding. This model provides maximum protection for the worker during welding work.
pros
:
- stylish and attractive design;
- high quality tailoring;
- zippers;
- reliably protects from wind and frost.
Minuses
:
- high price per unit.
The best welding suit with split splits
The “Welder” canvas suit, manufactured by Ursus for use in winter, consists of several layers that provide reliable thermal insulation and comfortable working conditions both indoors and outdoors. The set includes a jacket and pants, the top layer of which is made of tarpaulin fabric based on cotton and linen with OP. The density of this tarpaulin is 530 g/m2. Multilayer batting is used as insulation, where the density of each layer is 210 g/m2. In addition, the lining of each element of the set is made of 100 percent cotton. The linings, as befits such models, are made of split leather.
“Welder” provides reliable protection against splashes and sparks during welding. At the same time, 3 layers of materials with different characteristics ensure comfortable operation at sub-zero temperatures. For additional convenience, the jacket has side pockets located on the seams, as well as a zipper.
Characteristics
- Type – set of jacket and trousers.
- Materials: tarpaulin (530 g/m2), cotton, batting (210 g/m2).
- Thickness of the split lining: 1.1-1.3 mm.
pros
- increased material density;
- split linings;
- Pure cotton lining;
Minuses
- A 3-layer jacket may restrict movement.
What functions should clothing perform?
A modern welder's uniform must successfully cope with the following functions:
- have a reliable and durable fabric structure that provides protection from elevated temperatures;
- be practical, durable , resist the processes of fire and smoldering (the suit should not start burning for at least one minute of direct interaction with a hot substance);
- do not interact with drops of hot metal and other molten elements;
- not have a negative impact on the employee’s body;
- the welding suit must meet sanitary standards and be environmentally friendly;
- provide comfort and freedom of movement to the professional, without interfering with the work process;
- clothing should not be deformed during use ;
- protect the worker from overheating , ventilate the skin;
- differ in simple care and storage.
The best summer welder suit
The TS-43 model from Energokontrakt Group of Companies is presented in the form of a suit consisting of a jacket and trousers, to which are added sleeves with holes for the thumbs. The buyer is offered a choice between two versions of this suit: A and B, where the second is considered expanded, as it is additionally equipped with a balaclava. Its main task is to protect the head, shoulder and neck areas. The balaclava is conveniently adjustable and fastens with loops and buttons. The kit itself is made of aramid, or more precisely from a fabric called Thermol, which has received a polymer coating. As for its density, it varies between 500 and 310 g/m2, being denser in areas most susceptible to sparks and scale during welding.
The jacket has an elongated back, the width of its sleeves can be easily adjusted with patties, Velcro is used as a fastener on the collar, and on the cuffs you can see holes created for the thumbs. The fastening of the trousers is made in the form of a combination of buttons and a zipper, the belt is made of webbing and, if desired, can be removed without much effort. For greater comfort, the sleeves have an elastic band on both sides.
Characteristics
- Type – suit with sleeves. May have a balaclava.
- The main material is Thermol.
- The maximum density of the material is 500 g/m2.
- The minimum density of the material is 310 g/m2.
- Knee pads – shock-absorbing, with liners.
pros
- closed zip fastener;
- extended back;
- sleeve width adjustment;
- shock-absorbing knee and elbow pads;
- adjustment of trousers according to height.
Minuses
- the material is sensitive to ultraviolet light, like all aramids;
- the material is “afraid” of water.
Certificate of approval of the welding process
According to the Rules for the Classification and Construction of Sea Vessels, the following requirements are imposed on the welding process:
- The company must have all the necessary equipment at its disposal.
- During the welding process at low temperatures, such working conditions must be provided so that the welder can perform welded joints efficiently.
- The welder's workplace must be protected from wind and precipitation.
- If possible, welding of structures should be carried out in enclosed spaces that are heated in winter.
- When performing work in open areas in adverse weather conditions, it is recommended to always dry the welded edges by heating.
- If structural welding is carried out at sub-zero ambient temperatures, appropriate measures must be taken to ensure satisfactory quality
- welds. Such measures include: control and cleaning of welded edges from snow, frost and ice;
- drying the edges to be welded by heating to at least 20 °C;
- preliminary local heating of welded edges before welding;
- use of heat insulating agents;
- the use of technological processes that provide the necessary positive interpass temperature during the welding process.
These are just the basic requirements from a large list, which you can read in the Rules attached to the article.
The best combined welding suit
“Bastion” produced by Vostok-Service is used for carrying out any types of welding work, representing a demi-season protection made of a jacket and trousers made of combined materials. The set is based on canvas with fire-resistant impregnation, consisting of cotton and linen in percentages of 51% and 49%. An additional material is split wood, from which all linings are made. For convenience, the jacket has a secret button closure and one secret pocket, two more pockets are located directly on the side seams.
As for the split leather linings themselves, they cover the front part of the trousers and sleeves, as well as the front part. This gives increased resistance to high temperatures and possible burning by flying sparks or drops of metal.
Characteristics
- Type – set of jacket and trousers.
- The main material is canvas.
- Material density – 550 g/m2.
- Additional material – split wood.
pros
- presence of internal cuffs;
- the suit is made in a demi-season version;
- the presence of ventilation holes;
- reinforcement settings are made of split wood;
- Suitable for all welding work.
Minuses
- Not suitable for work in winter.
Firer 1 KOS410
Model with an elongated jacket and a turn-down collar. The suit belongs to the first class of protection.
The tailoring design is comfortable, pockets are harmoniously located throughout the clothing, and there are internal pockets for storing communication equipment. Fire-resistant SOP tape 50 mm wide located on the back, chest and bottom of the trousers.
The permissible working distance in overalls is 2 m from the source of hot metal splashes. Relevant for soldering, spot welding, mechanical cutting of metal, as well as microplasma welding.
pros
:
- external seams of fire-resistant color;
- durable material for sewing;
- the presence of fire-resistant SOP tape 50 mm wide;
- availability of ventilation.
Minuses
:
- not detected.
The best insulated welding suit
“Mars” produced by Technoavia is made of cotton with Proban (OP), the density of which is 410 g/m2. The insulation is special non-flammable synthetic material (area 100 g/m2). The jacket is lined with 3 layers of this insulation, and the trousers - 2. The lining material is calico based on pure cotton. There is a hidden fastener on the top; the set itself has received class 4 protection, confirming the possibility of its comfortable use in severe frosts and special climatic conditions.
Regarding the trousers of the set, there is an insulated belt in the lumbar area, the fasteners on the sides are made with buttons, and the central seam is equipped with a zipper. The comfort of the suit is enhanced by elastic straps.
Characteristics
- Set – jacket and trousers.
- Protection class – 2.
- Fabric – cotton (410 g/m2).
- Lining - calico.
- Insulation – fire-resistant synthetic (100 g/m2).
pros
- number of overlays;
- presence of internal pockets;
- protection against low temperatures;
- removable insulation.
Production and manufacturers
There are large enterprises offering quality products in the global market for the production of special clothing and accessories. The following are leading Russian companies.
The Avangard-Spetsodezhda company produces and supplies a wide range of high-quality clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment: shields, knee pads.
Vostok-Service company produces and sells special clothing and footwear, as well as protective equipment for the head and hands, through an extensive branch network. The company offers products for welders under the brands $Zeus$, Bastion, Bulat.
Ivspetsposhiv company specializes in individual and mass production of products for welders: suits, shoes, hand and head protection, aprons, knee pads, insulation inserts for leggings and clothing.
Technoavia company is engaged in the production, retail and wholesale trade of a wide range of special clothing, shoes, hats, personal protective equipment for the face, eyes, hands.
“Shaturskaya Sewing Manufactory” is a manufacturer of a wide range of clothing for representatives of various professions, as well as personal protective equipment for welders: masks and gloves.
Imported workwear and accessories, according to some performers, are of higher quality. Therefore, attention should be paid to foreign manufacturers.
ESAB is a global leader in products to meet the needs of professional and residential welders. The company offers clothing (jackets, trousers, overalls, aprons), shoes, gloves, head and eye protection.
The unitary enterprise “Alexander Sokolov” (Republic of Belarus) produces a wide range of products for welders and gas cutters: suits, overalls, aprons, protective equipment for hands and heads.
