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Metalworking Health & Safety
Experience the next generation of Respiratory and Welding protection for yourself.
- Appropriate protection against hazards
- High comfort and PPE acceptance
Our experts will be happy to get in touch - no obligation.
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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.
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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 and help you make correct 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.
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Metal productionThings 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)
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Metal fabricationIn 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)
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Metal finishingFrom 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
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Designed for welders working at high amperages and 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
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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.
- Get wider views in a slimmer helmet.
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?
Click to experience premium protection and comfort first hand. No obligation!
Related PPE solutions from 3M
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3M™ Secure Click™ Half Mask Reusable RespiratorDesigned with smart and intuitive features 3M™ Secure Click™ Half Mask Reusable Respirator is simple, comfortable and reliable. Greater breathability and comfort is provided by the world’s first quad flow cartridge system.
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3M™ Versaflo™ Powered Air Respirator with High Heat Accessories, M-SeriesWhen you are working in extreme environments, you need products you can trust. With the combination of 3M™ Versaflo™ Powered Air Respirator Systems and accessories designed for high heat applications, you can concentrate on getting the job done, comfortably and safely.
Combine it with 3M Versaflo TR-600 for a new level of confidence, control and comfort
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3M™ PELTOR™ Communications HeadsetsLearn more about 3M's hearing protector with built-in analog and digital programmable two-way communication radio and other features like a level dependent function.
Learn how to stay protected and connected with our LiteCom Pro III Headset
See our PPE products in action
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
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Exposure to NoiseA 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)
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Eye InjuriesEye 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.
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Falling Objects and Head ProtectionWorking 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.
European Standards - Head protection (PDF, 440KB)
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.
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Casting and deburringFettling 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)
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WeldingEffective 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.
Welding Fumes (PDF, 480 KB)
UK Weld Fume and control measures selection guide(PDF, 6.10MB)
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Grinding, cutting, polishingSparks 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 to measure.
Safety products for metalworking: Respiratory, Hearing and Eye protection
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Painting and finishingAfter the surfaces have been finished, the work can finally be painted and refined.
Isocycanates (PDF, 250 KB)
3M Product and Service Solutions for Automotive Repairs and Painting Process
Ask 3M’s experts about Metalworking Health & Safety
3M’s PPE experts are ready to advise you on any questions relating to safety and protection in metalworking and the uses of 3M’s PPE products.
