The best approach for welders to be safe on the job, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Welding Society (AWS), is to wear head-to-toe protection and employ welding safety equipment.
Although not all of the following safety precautions are needed, welders should have the proper welding protection equipment to assist and prevent work-related accidents.
As a welder, you must be able to select the appropriate welding jacket. Your job includes anything from high-end heavy industrial welding to modest lightweight metal fabrication. There are several types of welding jackets to select from.
Since welding requires great precision, it is critical to select the correct size for a welding jacket. If you choose the wrong one, you will not be comfortable, which will greatly impact your efficiency. So before you pick a size, make sure to measure your chest by putting a measuring tape over your upper torso.
Here is a size chart you can refer to.
| Category | Minimum chest size | Maximum chest size |
| S | 36 inch | 38 inch |
| M | 40 inch | 42 inch |
| L | 44 inch | 46 inch |
| XL | 48 inch | 50 inch |
| XXL | 52 inch | 54 inch |
| XXXL (3 XL) | 56 inch | 58 inch |
| XXXXXL (5 XL) | 64 inch | 66 inch |
Important note- Measure the abdominal region if you have bulging belly fat. Remember not to wrap the measuring tape too tightly around your body, as a small margin is generally preferable. One piece of advice is to take the measurement while wearing your usual work clothing.
There are definitely a few things you need to look for before purchasing a welding jacket.
Welding jackets are a welder’s most crucial piece of personal protective equipment. You know welding involves fire and temperature, and that is why you need a superior fire resistant welding jacket to ensure your safety.
If not, let me state unequivocally that you will not be able to progress in your welding profession without injuring yourself. Here are a few things to consider-
1.) Safety
The welding business understands the need of safety equipment like no other, with workers recognising how PPE safety equipment is required.
A proper welding jacket is long-lasting, fire-resistant, and capable of providing thermal insulation, electrical resistance, and heat protection.
Most importantly, it should be composed of high-quality materials and be both comfortable and simple to use. The quality of the materials used in a welding jacket has a direct influence on its durability and pricing.
As a result, if you get a cheap one, you will have to sacrifice on durability and quality.
Every item of welding equipment, including jackets, must comply with the EN ISO 11611 regulation, which is an industry standard for welding gear.
All types of welding protection have been rigorously tested to endure burns, numerous washings, and ensure that it is fully safe and durable.
2.) Fabric of the jacket
Welding jackets are categorised based on the materials used in their production. You will find cotton welding jackets, leather welding jackets, and synthetic ones like nylon/kevlar.
Let us examine each of them closely:
Cotton welding jacket- If you work in tropical areas where the temperatures are soaring high, or want a summer welding jacket to do mild or light labor, the cotton welding jacket is ideal.
Cotton is combustible in its natural state, but it is chemically changed to be fire-resistant. These are the most economical sort of welding jacket on the market since they are lightweight, flexible, and breathable.
Leather welding jacket- Leather welding jackets are mostly ideal in colder areas to do heavy-weight welding tasks such as high-end MIG and TIG welding.
And when it comes to welding jackets, leather is the most durable material and is well recognised for its features such as thermal resistance and fire resistance. This quickly elevates it to the top of the list of welders who undertake heavy welding jobs.
Nylon/Kevlar welding jacket- Nylon is a lightweight, flexible, and robust synthetic fabric, whereas kevlar is known for its puncture resistance and great strength.
The combination of the two results in a fine substance that is mostly used to prevent skin burns. It is appropriate for all industrial and heavy-duty welding operations since it is breathable and very flexible, making it an excellent choice for individuals who operate in hotter areas.
3.) Protection coverage
Welders jackets have the benefit of being a single piece of safety equipment that covers a wide range of locations, including the torso, shoulders, arms, neck, and back, unlike any other piece of equipment on the market.
Jackets can be made of anything from leather to complete fire-proofed wool, and anything in between, depending on the temperature of the location in which the job is being done.
A welders jacket will be made of fire-resistant material and will provide the user with excellent movement even when fully closed.
A decent welders jacket’s covering area will guard against heat from flames as well as errant debris or missiles while on the job.
4.) Comfort
When shopping for a new welders jacket, take your time and make sure that any possible purchase satisfies the necessary safety regulations.
Aside from the industrial criteria that a welders jacket must meet, comfort and fit are equally crucial in ensuring your productivity levels are high and you can keep working all day.
Make sure to put on your jacket of choice to see whether it fits well and will allow you to operate in a regulated manner.
Recommended welding jackets for you
1.) Lincoln Electric Welding Jacket
- FULL LEATHER FRONT & SIDES
- ERGONOMIC LEATHER SLEEVES
- BREATHABLE FR BACK
- SPATTER GUARD BUTTON LINER
- LEATHER NECK PROTECTION
- ADJUSTABLE CUFFS
- INTERNAL STORAGE
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It provides a great level of protection and strength. The nicest part about Lincoln Electric is that it creates welding jackets with the demands of welders in mind.
Its leather composition makes it extremely robust, strong, and appropriate for usage in chilly regions. Its triple stitched seams strengthen it and keep it from fraying.
2.) Black Stallion Welding Jacket
- Standup welders collar with two snap options
- Satin-lined shoulders make it easier to put on and take off and an adjustable waist snaps provide a better fit
- Scribe pocket on left sleeve and inside pocket protects small tools and other gear
- Gusseted underarms allow wider range of movement
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
When it comes to proper welding PPT, Black Stallion is something you can rely on. They are considered the most cheap, long-lasting, and highly protective welding jackets.
It is the ideal welding jacket if you need to undertake heavy-duty welding jobs in any of the seasons throughout the year and it is reasonably priced. With this functionality, you won’t have to worry about UV burns no matter how long you work.
3.) Miller Electric Welding Jacket
- Closure Type: Snap Button
- Cuff Style: Fold-In Snaps
- Material: 88% Cotton, 12% Nylon
- Fits Chest Size: 50
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This welding jacket integrates the major qualities required in fire-resistant jackets and manufactures gear appropriately.
During the heat, it provides a great amount of protection. It is the lightest welding jacket, made up of 88 percent cotton and 12 percent nylon.
Furthermore, the cotton and nylon blend makes it extremely durable. It is also not pricey. Overall, it is highly suitable during summers.
Conclusion
While some people would choose welding jacket material over convenience and comfort, the truth is that safety always comes first. However, the size of the jacket also matters as it is directly related to your comfort and efficiency.
