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

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.

  • Metal Production
    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
    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
    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, face protection
    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

     

  • HAVs
    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

  • Ofn
    Using Abrasives Safety Posters

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

    Download Posters


TOOLS & INNOVATIONS FOR EVERY PART OF THE METALWORKING INDUSTRY

 Efficiency means profit. Making the most of your people, resources and equipment...

  • STABLIZING COST
    STABLISING COST
  • ELIMINATING WASTE
    ELIMINATING WASTE
  • REDUCING REWORK
    REDUCING REWORK
  • REGULATORY INFORMATION
    REGULATORY INFORMATION
  • IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
    IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
  • TRAIN THE TRAINER
    TRAIN THE TRAINER
  • ADVICE & CONSULTATION
    ADVICE & CONSULTATION
PPE & Safety expert team

Get in touch with our PPE & Safety expert team

CONTACT US FOR FREE ADVICE

Contact us today for more information, request a meeting with your regional safety specialist or ask us for a PPE sample or demonstration. We will get back to you!

  • Thank you for your request to 3M. The information you provide on this form will be used to respond to your request through email or telephone by a 3M representative or by one of our authorised business partners with whom we might share your personal information consistent with the 3M privacy policy

  • All fields are required unless indicated optional

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • 3M takes your privacy seriously. 3M and its authorized third parties will use the information you provided in accordance with our Privacy Policy to send you communications which may include promotions, product information and service offers. Please be aware that this information may be stored on a server located in the U.S. If you do not consent to this use of your personal information, please do not use this system.

  • Submit submit

Thank You

Your form was submitted successfully!

Our Apologies...

An error has occurred while submitting. Please try again later...