3M™ Speedglas™ 100 Welding Helmet
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Welding Protection Guide
Welding protection equipment is used in environments where there is exposure to intense heat, light, fumes, and sparks. This includes everything from helmets and gloves to fume extractors which help prevent burns, eye damage, respiratory illness, and long-term injuries.
Types of Welding Protection
Welding helmets
Protects against arc flash, flying debris, UV & IR light. Some helmets feature auto-darkening that adjusts to the light intensity of the welding arc.
Premium helmets often include integrated air systems or flip-up visors for added versatility. Helmets should meet standards like EN 175 and be compatible with the welding process being used (MIG, TIG, Stick, etc.)
Respiratory Protection
PAPR Respirators Filter hazardous welding fumes and gases (under COSHH).
Leather aprons
Prevents burns from sparks, molten metal, and radiant heat.
Welding gloves
Shields hands from heat, UV, and abrasion.
Recommended Helmets & PAPR for Common Welding Tasks
| Industry | Common Welding Tasks | Recommended Helmet & PAPR Features |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Sites | Structural steel welding, rebar welding, pipework |
Auto-darkening helmet with adjustable shade Flip-up visor for multitasking PAPR with spark-resistant filters for outdoor use |
| Manufacturing Plants | Machinery and vehicle component fabrication |
Helmet with side windows for better visibility Integrated grind mode Compact PAPR system for ease of movement |
| Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering | Welding in hulls, decks, and ship components |
PAPR with heavy-duty filtration and long battery life Flip-up helmet with face seal for fume control Flame-retardant headgear accessories |
| Oil & Gas | Pipeline and structural welding, confined spaces |
Helmet with high impact resistance and arc sensors ATEX-rated PAPR for explosive environments Respirator-integrated hood for maximum protection |
| Rail & Transport Maintenance | Track repairs, structure welding, confined systems |
Lightweight helmet for mobile work Compact PAPR with audible alarms Flip-up visor with anti-fog coatings |
| Automotive Industry | MIG, TIG, and spot welding in production lines |
Helmet with quick shade switching and grind mode Slimline PAPR unit for mobility Sweat-absorbing headbands for comfort |
| Engineering Workshops | General-purpose welding in bays or benches |
Full-coverage auto-darkening helmet Mid-range PAPR system with replaceable filters Integrated visor lift for flexibility |
Why is welding protection necessary?
Welding protection is essential in protecting workers from the serious hazards associated with welding tasks. Without the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), employees are at risk of injuries such as arc eye, burns, inhalation of toxic fumes, and long-term respiratory illnesses.
During welding, intense UV and IR radiation is emitted, which can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin if proper eye and face protection like auto-darkening helmets or welding visors aren’t used.
The fumes that are emitted during welding contain harmful substances such as manganese, chromium VI, and ozone, which are covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. This is why Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) must be used, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
What Must My Employer Do?
According to HSE guidance, employers must assess welding risks and provide suitable PPE as required under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022. Welding protection is not just a safety measure – it's a legal requirement and a critical part of protecting employee health and productivity.
Employers must also conduct health surveillance as an ongoing system for health checks. They should use this to collect data to detect health hazards, protect employees’ health, and evaluate control measures. Training must also be provided to employees, especially those who are new. Training should include:
- Health risks associated with welding fume
- Advice on health effects and likely exposures
- How to properly use welding helmets or visors and how to maintain them
- What to do if their protection has been compromised or damaged
Welding Protection FAQs
Yes. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022, employers must provide suitable eye and face protection when welding. Helmets protect against UV/IR radiation, sparks, and molten metal.
Auto-darkening helmets adjust the shade level automatically in response to the welding arc. This reduces eye strain and allows for more continuous work compared to passive, fixed-shade helmets.
PAPRs are required when welding tasks produce harmful fumes—especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. This includes stainless steel, galvanised metal, and aluminium welding, where exposure to hazardous substances like chromium or manganese is a risk.
No. Confined spaces increase the risk of inhaling toxic fumes. A PAPR or supplied-air respirator is usually required under COSHH guidelines and should be part of a full risk assessment and safe system of work.
Employers should provide welding helmets (ideally auto-darkening), flame-retardant clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection like PAPRs. PPE must be free of charge and suitable for the specific tasks performed.
Yes. Facial hair can affect the seal of a tight-fitting respirator. In such cases, loose-fitting PAPRs or hooded systems that do not rely on a face seal are recommended.