PPE solutions in metal fabrication: respiratory, hearing and eye protection

From steel mills to aluminium smelters, from lead recycling to met-fab shops or sheet metal fabrication, 3M is here to support you in your efforts to build an effective culture of health and safety. Metal industries are faced with a wide range of hazards, and identifying and finding the right solutions to address these hazards is not always easy. We can help to support you through this process and help you make correct decisions based on your needs.

We offer you free advice, and the very best in innovative PPE & Safety Equipment for metal fabrication. At 3M we have the knowledge and expertise in the metal fabrication industry to get you the right product at the right price.

Ask an Expert

3M’s Metalworking Health & Safety

Learn more

Metal Worker PPE: We help you find the right solution & personal protective equipment

The metalworking industry faces many hazards, regulations & challenges, that compel metal fabricators and health and safety professionals to determine risks, assessing potential hazards and controls, evaluating risks and hazard control measures. We are here to assist you in providing a safe and healthy workplace for your employees.

We have what you are looking for to get the job done. We will advise you on which PPE & Safety solution or innovation is best suited to your needs without obligation. Contact us for free advice.

Understanding the typical hazards in metalworking

Most of the typical processes in metalworking can create immediate safety hazards as well as long-term health hazards. If not properly managed and controlled, the routine use of abrasives can potentially create hazards from airborne particles, noise and hand-arm vibration.

Download a Poster
Respiratory protection

Airborne particles are potentially hazardous to workers through contact with exposed skin or eyes, and especially by inhalation. Adequate and suitable respiratory protection should be determined, based upon a risk assessment including an evaluation of the level of exposure, occupational exposure limits, and on the specific task and worker requirements. Related processes may also include welding fume and/or gases.
3M™ Aura™ Disposable Respirators 9300+ Series
3M™ Secure Click™ Half Mask Reusable Respirator HF-800 Series
3M™ Speedglas™ Heavy-Duty Welding Helmet G5-01 with 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Respirator

Respiratory hazards
Hearing protection

Depending on the specific operation, noise levels can range from moderate to very high reaching up to 120dB(A). Grinding, for example, can result in noise levels in the range of 97-105dB(A). Repeated daily personal noise exposure above 85db(A) can lead to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Almost anyone working in a metal fabrication environment is likely to be exposed to harmful noise level. In addition to protecting against harmful effects of noise, it is vital to maintain situational awareness so that important warning signals can be heard such as fire alarms and moving vehicles, for example.

3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplug HA
3M™ PELTOR™ Electronic Earplug, EEP-100
3M™ PELTOR™ Earmuffs, X4A
Noise Hazards
Eye and face protection

In most manual grinding processes, there is a potential for eye injury from flying particles or even from failure of a grinding wheel or similar. Related processes like welding also require eye protection from the intense UV and visible light from the arc, for example the use of an auto-darkening filter (ADF).

3M™ SecureFit™ 400X Series Safety Glasses
3M™ G500 Headgear Combinations
3M™ Speedglas™ Heavy-Duty Welding Helmet G5-01
Eye hazards
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

The risk of vibration-related injury is associated with tasks that require excessive bending of the wrists or time on tool. Prolonged exposure to vibration can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves and tendons in fingers, hands and wrists, leaving the sufferer with reduced sensitivity, strength and dexterity.

HAVS
Using Abrasives Safety Posters

Keep your workers up to speed on safety with our informative posters

Download Posters