When working with custom steel from Wasatch Steel, and especially during a mechanical procedure like welding, safety is the top priority. In particular, helmets are some of the most important items in welding – even as vital as the actual steel or tools themselves.

On top of their necessary safety uses, the type of helmet you use for you next welding or steel project can actually go a long way in the practical realm as well. Let’s look at the safety benefits of a helmet, plus a few of those practical concerns.

Eye Safety

Helmets are often the first and last line of defense against several potential causes of eye damage in the welding process. The primary danger is infrared radiation, which is one of the most common causes of conditions like retinal burning and cataracts. Welding arcs give off strong UV radiation which can cause welder’s flash and sometimes permanent eye issues. Most helmets come with various viewing size options for your convenience, without sacrificing robust protective qualities that keep issues away.

Overall Head Safety

The eyes aren’t the only important element of the head, and a proper helmet keeps the entire head protected. Things like sparks, excess heat and flying particles can cause physical injury in the welding workplace, but this is no longer a concern with the right helmet on to protect you. You won’t even feel most of these particles.

Practical Differences

A big point of differentiation with welding helmets is the choice between regular lenses and auto-darkening lenses. Regular lenses are worn on what’s called a “passive lens” helmet, which uses UV- and IR-coated glass with a fixed shade and is worn in an upright position until the torch is in position – when it’s ready for use, the operator nods his head and snaps the helmet and lens into position.

Auto-darkening lenses, though, come on a helmet which never has to be worn higher on the head. The lenses automatically detect a lit arc, and adjust the lens shade only when necessary. When there’s no arc, they go back to a dull lens you can easily see through. Auto-darkening lenses are often far more convenient for longer welding projects.

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