Which Welding Helmet do I Need?
September 21, 2022
There are plenty of factors to consider when purchasing a new welding helmet, but safety is paramount no matter what type of project you’re working on.
As one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment you can have it’s important to make an informed choice. A fully functioning helmet will protect the eyes and skin from severe sparks, burns, flashes and bright light. It should also be as light-weight and as comfortable as possible. Cutting edge technology can also support the constant changing of lighting conditions with auto-darkening filters.
When choosing your helmet here are a few of the key areas to consider:
Legal Safety Requirements
Welding helmets must meet EN 175 and EN 1379 European industry safety standards. This ensures the helmet can handle several key welding tasks including high-velocity impact from flying objects, 100% ultraviolet and infrared filtering, withstand temperatures as low as -5°C and as high as 55°C.
Weight
One or two pounds in weight may not sound like a big difference, but as a welding operator over the course of a five- or six-hour day, the weight of a helmet can make significant difference and is in an important consideration. A lighter helmet will reduce the strain on the neck, which in turn will help reduce fatigue, and improve comfort.
Auto-Darkening
Advanced auto-darkening helmets automatically change from an inactive to active state when you’re carrying out a job. This allows the user to be protected from harmful emissions whilst darkening within milliseconds.
The benefit of auto-darkening allows you to see clearly whilst the helmet is in the on position, allowing for quick setup and positioning ahead before beginning your welding job. The functionality of auto-darkening helps to increase productivity as it eliminates breaks while adjusting the helmet.
Auto-darkening is available from entry level through to professional welding equipment. We supply the 3M Speedglas range designed with professionals in mind.
Viewing Size
It’s important to take into account the amount of overhead welding that you’re likely to undertake. While flat or horizontal welding is preferable, there are times when overhead welding becomes a necessity. With this type of work excellent visibility is essential, as is adequate neck and face protection. The Speedglas helmets can be fitted with extended protection kits to provide additional coverage over shoulders.
The Speedglas range offers a generous 170 x 104mm offering excellent views up, down and peripherally.
Personal Preference
Before committing to making any purchase of a welding helmet there’s a number of personal checks you should be carrying out.
There’s plenty of welding helmets which don’t include an adjustment for the helmet’s distance from the face. This can be an issue for people with large heads, facial features or beards, and is something you should always be aware of. Speedglas offers complete adjustment in distance and angle.
Be sure to check the standard sweatband for your forehead. Is it soft and absorbent enough to increase comfort or not substantial enough to keep perspiration from your eyes? Speedglas have enhanced comfort with a new design headband offering self-adjusting comfort paddles along the forehead and an extra-large back pad offering support across the head.
Configuration to your individual needs is also an important factor to consider, for example would you need extended protection shrouds or high visibility? A range of accessories are available from the Speedglas range to fulfil your individual needs.
The Speedglas range is fully compatible with 3M Adflo powered air respirators. They can be purchased to upgrade your existing Speedglas Welding helmet or as a fully new kit.
Welding helmets have improved dramatically in recent years and offer significantly more comfort and features to improve protection, productivity and wearability. While it may be tempting to purchase the least expensive helmet available, it is worth taking the time to investigate the other options available and consider the features you may want or need from your helmet. To shop our range of Welding Helmets and Accessories please follow the link HERE.
