Metalworking Health & Safety

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Appropriate protection against hazards
High comfort and PPE acceptance

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Hazards and extreme conditions in metalworking industries

After the complex production of metallic raw materials they typically undergo further processing. Noise, heat, dust and other hazards make working conditions challenging.
Selecting the best possible protection for the wearer is only part of the challenge - increasing wearing acceptance from workers is key as well to reduce risks and injuries.

- Personal protection in extreme conditions
  
  For more than 100 years, 3M has been developing effective and individual PPE (personal protection equipment) solutions for the metalworking industry.
  
  Failing to create a safe work environment can have far reaching consequences:
  
  The lack of effective protection can potentially lead to significant short and long‑term health effects.
  
  Inadequate personal protection is a frequently cited workplace violation and can lead to prosecution.
  
  Identifying hazards and the best protection solution is not always easy.
  3M can support you through this process to help you make informed decisions based on your needs.

Protection throughout the whole process

From steel works to aluminium smelters, from welding works to lead recycling: we understand user requirements and work together with them to create a safe working environment.

Metal production

Things are really hot here: in iron furnaces, iron ore is used to extract pig iron. Extreme working conditions prevail so it is essential to completely protect your employees.

Learn how 3M helped to reduce blood lead levels of metal workers by up to 40% by using appropriate PPE.

Read case study - Lead factory (PDF, 270 KB)
Metal fabrication

In metal processing, the liquid metal is first cast as pigs, ingots or slabs. The further processing of the pigs takes place in the foundries, with extreme heat and flying sparks.

Find out how 3M supplied air respiratory protective equipment proved a success in foundries.

Brochure - PPE solutions for foundries (PDF, 3.81 MB)

Read case study - Foundry (PDF, 130 KB)
Metal finishing

From metal to finished product: the basic material undergoes further processing which involves typical metalworking tasks, such as welding, cutting, turning, drilling, milling, planing.

Explore how occupational health and safety reduces the amount of injuries and pays off measurably.

Read case study - Automotive industry (PDF, 160 KB)

Read case study - Freight car production (PDF, 290 KB)

Products for safety & comfort

3M™ Speedglas™ Heavy Duty Welding Helmet G5-01
Designed for welders working at high amperages that need to grind frequently, the 3M™ Speedglas™ Heavy-Duty Welding Helmet G5-01 is created to be adaptable to an individual’s needs and situation.

Protection against radiation, sparks and spatter, from a high-coverage welding helmet design

View your work with 3M™ Speedglas™ Natural Colour Technology.

Effective respiratory protection, offering the highest safety class for powered air (TH3) systems

Individualize your helmet comfort and adjust the respiratory airflow to your preferences
LEARN HOW WE GO BEYOND PROTECTION
3M™ Speedglas™ Welding Helmet G5-02
Introducing the world’s first curved auto-darkening filter with the 3M™ Speedglas™ Welding Helmet G5-02. Designed for high-end TIG welders, the G5-02 helmet literally sets a new world standard for precision welding filter viewing. Featuring one of the newest innovations from 3M™ Speedglas™ – Curved Glass Technology. The welding filter follows the curved shape of your head and is more in line with the range of your peripheral vision.

Get wider views in a slimmer helmet.
Previously, you had to compromise: either a slim helmet or a wide view. With the curved G5-02 welding filter, there are no compromises.

A brilliant light state.
Great clarity before with our new 2.5 light state, and during the weld, with our 3M™ Speedglas™ Natural Colour Technology. Colours appear brighter and more realistic in both the light and dark states.

Bluetooth enabled.
With the 3M Connected Equipment app, users get access to additional functionalities, statistics and documentation.
LEARN MORE
3M™ Speedglas™ Welding Helmet G5-03 Pro Air
One great design and two versatile welding helmets - you can choose between non air (Pro) welding helmet and a welding helmet connected to Adflo with powered air (Pro Air).

Choose the welding filter most suitable for your work and preference.

The Tap function allows for quick and easy switching between WELDING and GRIND (or CUT) mode.

Adjustable air distribution and air flow control with Pro Air welding helmet.

Light Up your workspace with optional helmet-mounted task light which is low profile and lightweight, helping welders in low light environments.
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Don't just take our word for it - Try it yourself!

Ready to experience our 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet G5-02 or Heavy Duty Welding Helmet G5-01 yourself?

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See our PPE products in action

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3M™ Secure Click™ Reusable Respirator HF-800 highlights

See how 3M™ Secure Click™ Reusable Respirator HF-800 provides greater breathability and comfort with the world’s first quad-flow gas and vapour filter / combination filter system. (0:20)
3M's focus while developing the 3M™ Speedglas™ G5-01

See all the exciting features in a first-hand interview on the 3M™ Speedglas™ Heavy-Duty Welding Helmet G5-01 with our 3M experts. (2:42)
Compare 3M's Auto Darkening Filter to traditional helmets

See how 3M ADF saves time and makes welding much more comfortable and efficient. (5:42)

Typical hazards in the metal industries

Be aware of welding fume and other hazards

Learn about important topics for your industry: regulations, process-related hazards, their potential health risks and relevant PPE measures

Download hazard guides – including Welding Fume and more

Exposure to Noise

A high level of noise exposure is the norm in many workplaces in the metalworking industry. 3M offers innovative and effective hearing protection and communication solutions.

Noise level barometer Infographic (PDF, 90 KB)

Selector - Find my Hearing Protection
Eye Injuries

Eye injuries are among the most common work accidents in metalworking causing considerable costs and downtime. Flying particles, generated during grinding or cutting, as well as dangerous UV and IR rays when welding, can potentially cause irreversible eye and face injuries.

3M Protective Eyewear range
Falling Objects and Head Protection

Working in many different workplaces – for instance during maintenance work in installations and machinery – results in other hazard sources, such as falling objects. 3M offers head protection (bump caps or helmets) that protect your workforce effectively against potential injury.

3M Head Protection range

European Standards - Head protection (PDF, 440KB)
Working at height

In metalworking and transportation manufacturing industries your workers may need to perform various tasks at moderate heights (2-5 m). These tasks may include: maintenance work, unloading, packaging, welding or other work on top of heavy machinery, vehicles, parts etc., all of which may put them in danger of falling.

Working at height hazards in heavy industry

Metal Fabrication & Production Applications

Metal fabrication is the building of metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling processes, most commonly welding.
It is a value-added process that 3M understands well. From abrasive discs and belts to industry leading welding PPE - we are here to help.

Casting and deburring

Fettling or deburring ensures reliable and even removal of flashing on metal workpieces. Sparks, splinters and particles fly. Personal protective equipment from 3M reliably protects your employees from these hazards.

PPE Solutions in the foundry (PDF, 4MB)
Welding

Effective all-round protection is needed against all kinds of risks. 3M provides integrated PPE which combines comprehensive eye, face and respiratory protection in a single system. The innovative welding helmets from 3M enable welding results combined with great wearer comfort and safety.
Grinding, cutting, polishing

Sparks fly, particles pollute the ambient air, not to speak of the noise. When cutting and grinding metal various health risks arise which require comprehensive protection. 3M knows these requirements from practical experience and has developed integrated PPE systems.
Painting and finishing

After the surfaces have been finished, the work can finally be painted and refined.