The Ultimate Welding PPE Checklist for Fabrication & Welding Workshops | Norsemen Safety

Why Welding PPE Matters More Than Ever

Welding PPE – In fabrication and welding environments, personal protective equipment (PPE) isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s the barrier between your team and serious injury. Whether you’re welding, grinding, cutting, or handling heavy steel, the right PPE ensures safety, compliance, and productivity.

At Norsemen Safety/Welder’s Choice, we’ve supplied trusted PPE and welding protection across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK for decades. This guide brings together everything you need in one place — stay compliant with UK safety regulations and keep every worker protected.

1. Head & Eye Protection

Welding and fabrication present major risks from sparks, UV light, and flying debris. Head and eye PPE are essential first-line defences.

Essentials:

• Welding Helmets – Choose auto-darkening helmets certified to EN175 / EN379 standards.
  Popular options: Optrel Helix Pure Air Quattro, Parweld XR943A, or Miller T94i-R.
• Safety Glasses – Always wear under or alongside helmets.
  Recommended: Uvex pheos and Uvex Ultrasonic models with anti-fog lenses.
• Face Shields – For grinding or plasma cutting operations.
  Tip: Use clear or tinted visors depending on the job.

Pro Tip: Store helmets in a dry area and replace cracked or discoloured lenses immediately.

Explore our full range of Welding Helmets and Safety Glasses.

2. Respiratory Protection

Welding fumes, dust, and vapours are serious long-term hazards. The HSE mandates control measures under the UK COSHH regulations.

Essentials:

• PAPR Units (Powered Air Purifying Respirators) – For all welding processes, especially stainless steel or laser applications.
  Examples: Optrel Swiss Air, Optrel e3000x with Helix helmet, Moldex 7000/9000 series.
• Disposable Respirators (FFP2/FFP3) – For short tasks or grinding work.
• Fume Extraction Systems – Capture at-source to protect everyone in the workshop.

Pro Tip: Check filter expiry dates and replace according to manufacturer guidelines or HSE advice.

See our Respiratory Protection Range.

3. Hand Protection Welding PPE

Hands are the most frequently injured body part in workshops — burns, cuts, and abrasions are common.

Essentials:

• Welding Gloves – Heat-resistant, high-dexterity, and compliant with EN12477.
  Examples: Parweld P3825, EJENDALS Tegera 130A or new Cut Level F range.
• Cut-Resistant Gloves – Ideal for sheet metal or fabrication prep work.
  Check EN388 cut level ratings (A–F).
• General Handling Gloves – For assembly, grinding, or non-heat tasks.

Pro Tip: Rotate gloves based on task type — don’t weld with gloves meant for general handling.

Browse Welding Gloves and Cut-Resistant Gloves.

4. Protective Clothing Welding PPE

From sparks to molten metal, flame-resistant clothing shields workers from serious burns and radiant heat.

Essentials:

• Welding Jackets & Trousers – Made from leather or flame-retardant cotton; look for EN ISO 11611 certification.
• Welding Aprons & Sleeves – Ideal for light TIG or bench welding.
• High-Visibility Garments – For mixed work areas with vehicles or forklifts.

Pro Tip: Avoid synthetic fabrics that melt under heat. Always wear PPE over fully buttoned sleeves and collars.

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5. Foot Protection Welding PPE

Workshop floors can be slippery, and heavy materials pose crush risks. Quality safety footwear prevents both.

Essentials:

• Safety Boots – Steel or composite toe, heat-resistant soles, and midsole penetration protection.
  Recommended: Uvex 1 G2, Heckel MACsole WLD, or Solid Gear weld-safe models.
• Anti-Static and Slip-Resistant Soles – To meet EN ISO 20345 standards.

Pro Tip: Replace boots when the tread is worn or the toecap lining becomes visible.

See Safety Boots & Footwear.

6. Hearing Protection for Welding PPE

Grinding, gouging, and plasma cutting can easily exceed 85 dB — damaging hearing permanently.

Essentials:

• Ear Defenders – Adjustable, comfortable, and compatible with helmets.
• Earplugs – Reusable or disposable for confined spaces.

Pro Tip: Combine hearing protection with respiratory gear for full compliance under Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

Explore Hearing Protection.

7. Handheld & Eye Safety Tools

Even with PPE, prevention starts with the right tools:

• Properly grounded welding leads
• Well-maintained clamps
• Insulated electrode holders
• Screens and curtains around the weld area

Find Welding Accessories to complete your setup.

Final Thoughts on Welding PPE

The right PPE isn’t just about compliance — it’s about sending every worker home safe, every day.
By using this checklist and choosing certified, comfortable equipment, you’ll protect your team, boost productivity, and meet all regulatory standards.

At Norsemen Safety, we’re proud to supply Northern Ireland and Ireland’s fabrication and welding professionals with Optrel, Uvex, EJENDALS, MSA, Parweld, and other premium brands — backed by expert advice and fast delivery.

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Norsemen Safety & Industrial Supplies Limited – your trusted PPE partner across NI, ROI & UK.