Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

What type of eyewear should you use for welding?

1. Face shield

2. Welding helmet

3. Safety goggles

4. Protective glasses

The correct answer is: Welding helmet

The appropriate eyewear for welding is a welding helmet. This specialized headgear is designed to protect the face and eyes from the intense light and heat produced during the welding process, as well as from flying sparks, spatter, and hazardous radiation. Welding helmets are equipped with a tinted filter lens that shields the welder’s eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can lead to serious eye damage, including burns and long-term vision impairment. Furthermore, welding helmets usually provide full-face protection, making them more effective than other types of eyewear in preventing injuries to the surrounding facial areas. The design often includes a lightweight construction and a comfortable fit to ensure that welders can work safely and efficiently without compromising their protective barriers. Other types of eyewear, such as safety goggles or protective glasses, do offer some level of eye protection but may not provide adequate shielding from the specific hazards associated with welding tasks. A face shield might protect the face but would not adequately shield the eyes from the bright light produced during welding. Therefore, using a welding helmet is critical for ensuring comprehensive safety during these operations.