Protective clothing for welding: Class 1 or 2?

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The Type A Glove Is Not Always the Best

Welder gloves are regulated by EN 12477 in two types. Type A meets higher protection requirements. These are robust, usually split leather designs for high-splatter processes, such as MAG and manual stick electrode welding. Type B is deliberately designed for greater flexibility and offers better tactile sensitivity—though with lower thermal reserves. Type B is the right choice for TIG welding, where the filler wire must be guided precisely. The common reflex to always procure the "thickest" glove often only leads to TIG welders removing them entirely, leaving them without any protection at all. Additionally, welder gloves must meet minimum mechanical requirements. The labeling according to EN 388 provides information on abrasion, cut, and tear resistance. What should not be forgotten: Welder gloves are wear items. Hardened, brittle, or worn-through leather no longer provides reliable protection! A quick visual inspection before starting a shift should, therefore, become routine.

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The "Blind Spot" in Welding is the Feet!

For foot protection, attention often stops at the safety class according to EN ISO 20345. However, for welding workstations, a specific standard exists—EN ISO 20349-2 tests shoes for risks associated with welding and related processes, identifiable by the abbreviation WG. This includes testing resistance to small splashes of molten metal. Additionally, the construction must not have elements in the front shoe area where liquid metal could get trapped. Open lacing hooks or deep tongue designs, commonly found in many S3 models, are therefore unsuitable for welders. A standard shoe from the framework contract is not automatically the right choice for the welding station, even if its safety class is correct. It's important to know that the WG abbreviation complements the safety class but does not replace it! Toe protection, puncture resistance, and slip resistance according to EN ISO 20345 remain unchanged as part of the requirements.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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