Welder Workwear and PPE: What Welders and Fabricators Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a welder needs a welding helmet with the right shade filter (AS/NZS 1338.1), safety glasses under the helmet, gauntlet welding gloves (heavier for MIG and stick, thinner for TIG), flame-resistant clothing with a leather or FR jacket, sleeves or apron, a respirator for welding fume, hearing protection for grinding, and leather safety boots with trousers worn over the top.
The welder's kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Welding helmet | A filter shade matched to the process and amperage. Auto-darkening filters with an adjustable shade suit mixed work. | Portwest BizWeld Plus auto-darkening helmet (shade 9 to 13), Maxisafe passive welding helmet (shade 11 lens) |
| Safety glasses | AS/NZS 1337.1 glasses under the helmet. Chipping slag and grinding happen with the helmet up. | Safety eyewear, e.g. Scope Ace safety glasses |
| Welding gloves | Long-cuff leather gauntlets for MIG and stick; soft goatskin for TIG dexterity. | Force360 MigArc welding glove, Pro Choice Tigga TIG glove |
| Jacket, sleeves and apron | Leather or FR fabric that resists spatter. Sleeves and aprons suit bench work in hot weather. | Pro Choice Pyromate welders jacket, welders sleeves, welders apron |
| FR workwear | Flame-resistant shirt and pants or coveralls. Avoid polyester, which melts. | FR workwear, e.g. DNC Patron Saint FR welder's jacket, DNC 3427 arc-rated FR coverall (14 cal/cm²) |
| Fume respirator | AS/NZS 1716 half-face with P2 filters as a minimum alongside fume extraction. | North 7700 welders respirator kit |
| Hearing protection | Earplugs fit under a helmet and stop sparks entering the ear canal. | Howard Leight 303 earplugs |
| Boots | Leather AS 2210.3 boots with heat-resistant soles. Elastic-sided boots kick off quickly if spatter gets inside; wear trousers over the boot. | Elastic-side boots, e.g. Blundstone 311 |
Welding fume is a carcinogen
Welding fume is classified as carcinogenic to humans, and stainless steel, galvanised and coated metals add chromium, nickel and zinc. Local exhaust ventilation comes first; a respirator is the backup. Safe Work Australia's welding fumes guidance sets out the controls. Powered air (PAPR) welding helmets suit full-time welders.
Standards that apply
- AS/NZS 1338.1: filters for eye protectors in welding, including shade numbers.
- AS/NZS 1337.1: eye and face protectors.
- AS/NZS 1716: respiratory protective devices.
- AS 2210.3: safety footwear.
Frequently asked questions
What shade welding lens do I need?
It depends on process and current. As a guide, shade 10 to 13 covers most MIG and stick welding, and lower shades suit low-amp TIG. An auto-darkening helmet with an adjustable shade covers mixed work.
What is the difference between MIG and TIG gloves?
MIG and stick gloves are thicker leather gauntlets built for heat and heavy spatter. TIG gloves are thinner goatskin so you can feed filler rod with precision.
Can welders wear cotton workwear?
Heavy cotton drill resists sparks better than synthetics, but flame-resistant fabric is safer because it self-extinguishes. Never weld in polyester or nylon.
Outfitting a team
Running a fabrication shop? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment and site rules decide what is mandatory.