Welding Protection Package: How to Spec Gloves, Helmet and FR Wear
Key Takeaways
- Specify glove EN grades to the welding process—MMA needs more spatter resistance than TIG.
- Match the helmet shade to the specific welding task's UV/IR intensity, not a one-size-fits-all default.
- Choose FR wear that meets the standard for clothing ignition risk, not just for comfort.
- Build a single purchase order covering gloves, helmet, and FR wear to ensure consistent protection.
Welding exposes a worker to three hazards at once: heat and molten metal, intense UV/IR light, and the risk of clothing igniting. Buy the wrong glove or a helmet without the right shade and the injury is not a matter of if, but when. This guide tells you which EN grades to specify for gloves, helmet and FR wear, what documents to request, and how to build one purchase order that covers the whole package.
Start with the Risk, Then the Standard
Each welding task has a different exposure profile. Manual metal arc welding (MMA) throws more spatter than TIG. Heavy fabrication means more heat and more contact with hot parts. Match the standard to the job, not to the habit of buying 'one welding glove for everyone'.
| Task type | Dominant risk | Key standard to specify |
|---|---|---|
| MMA / stick welding | Spatter, heat, UV | Gloves EN 12477 Type A MIG / MAG welding |
| Moderate spatter, heat | Gloves EN 12477 Type A or B TIG welding |
Heat, dexterity needed |
| Gloves EN 12477 Type B Grinding + welding |
Mechanical + heat | Gloves EN 12477 + EN 388 Overhead welding |
| Molten metal falls | FR clothing EN ISO 11612 Confined space welding |
Burns, fumes, heat |
| Helmet EN 379 + FR hood |
For the helmet, EN 379 governs auto-darkening filters. It sets the shade range, the switching time from light to dark, and the optical class. A filter marked 379 with optical class 1 gives the clearest view; class 2 is acceptable for intermittent work. Do not accept a helmet that only claims 'welding helmet' without an EN 379 filter rating.
The standard on the label is only useful if it matches the task. A Type A glove that is perfect for MMA will be too stiff for TIG, and an FR coverall rated for welding will not protect against electric arc.
Welding Gloves: Type A vs Type B
EN 12477 defines two performance types. Type A gloves offer higher protection against heat and molten metal splashes, with thicker leather and more insulation. Type B gloves prioritise dexterity, with thinner material and a finer cut, at the cost of some heat resistance. For mixed tasks, some suppliers offer a Type A glove with a Type B finger construction — specify this when dexterity and protection both matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EN grades should I specify for welding gloves?
The text does not list specific EN grades; it only says to match the standard to the job, like using a higher spatter-resistance grade for MMA than for TIG.
What helmet shade do I need for TIG welding?
The text does not give a shade number; it only instructs you to select a shade based on the task's UV/IR exposure, not a default.
How do I know if my FR clothing is adequate?
The text says to choose FR wear that meets the standard for clothing ignition risk, but it does not name the specific standard.
Can I buy all welding protection items separately?
The text recommends building one purchase order covering gloves, helmet, and FR wear to ensure the whole package is consistent.