Welding in High Temperatures: Strategies for Staying Cool Under the Hood

By Colleen Blackmore-Doucette, President

Welders working in fabrication shops face intense heat, especially during scorching outdoor temperatures. Unlike outdoor workers who may benefit from a cool breeze, indoor welders lack that relief. And with the recent heat domes settling over parts of the western U.S., with excessive heat warnings in effect, our members in the U.S. and Canada are not immune from soaring temperatures. 

Our fabricator members and our preferred suppliers have some great tips and tools to protect welders from excessive temperatures.

Ensure welders wear appropriate protective gear, including welding gloves, protective jackets, and welding helmets. These items help shield them from extreme temperatures as well as prevent burns. Marco Bougie, Welding Optimization Specialist, Metal Industry with Messer Canada, said they have a special Papr Welding Helmet, which gives constant filtered fresh air into the enclosed face area. Workers with glasses love it and many workers in mines are using that throughout the year, as well as plumbers, electricians, mechanics, etc. Some will even modify it to freshen the whole body!

Encourage regular breaks for welders working in hot environments. Rest allows their bodies to cool down fully before returning to work, improving comfort and overall well-being. Take frequent breaks during welding sessions to allow the body to cool down. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after welding is crucial. Angela Cortellino, Purchasing Manager at Acier Métaux Spec, Charlie Wicks, Project/Sales Manager at JCT Metals, and Jacques Labbe, VP Operations at Groupe Camnor, all said that not only do they have water available at all times, they also provide popsicles and Gatorade! Wurth has a new “Sqwincher Program” for their customers, to help them stay hydrated all summer long. In addition, Angela, Charlie, and Jacques said they have regular “heat” breaks throughout the day, either heading to the cafeteria or having a fan nearby.

Consider using cooling devices designed specifically for welders. Miller’s CoolBelt™ is one example of such solutions. This device directs air over the welder’s head and face, significantly reducing under-hood temperatures. The CoolBelt™, which is belt-mounted, can reduce the temperature under the helmet by up to 17 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ensure that the welding area is well-ventilated.Proper airflow reduces the overall heat generated by the welding process. Charlie said they typically keep all the overhead doors open to allow the air to flow through their facility.

Remember that a combination of measures, tailored to the specific welding environment, is essential for maintaining worker safety, comfort, and productivity. 😊🔥🌟🔥🛠️

Contributors

• Angela Cortellino, Purchasing Manager at Acier Métaux Spec
• Charlie Wicks, Project/Sales Manager at JCT Metals
• Jacques Labbe, VP Operations at Groupe Camnor
• Marco Bougie, Welding Optimization Specialist, Metal Industry with Messer Canada
• Yvan Page, National Account Sales Manager, Metal Division – Manufacturing with Wurth Canada