Jim's Cover Pass: Face masks are the new necessary shop PPE

Treat wearing face masks in the metal fabrication shop the same as you would a helmet, gloves, FR jacket, or other welding safety equipment. Getty Images

Q: Like every other manufacturing company, we are following the safety guidelines developed for COVID-19. However, we still have found resistance to the protocols established. Unfortunately, most of the resistance to these protocols has come from our older, seasoned employees. These are some of our key people so sending them home or down the road is not an option. Do you have any suggestions on how to reach them? Robert L., Texas

A: When we became aware of the coronavirus at the beginning of this year, I don’t think anyone realized the long-term effect it would have on our lives. I have been in contact with several businesses and educational facilities over the past several months, all with similar questions. I’ll be the first to say that I don’t know what the best answer is. However, I may have some suggestions.

When I first started in the welding business 40-some years ago, nobody in the shop used earplugs, wore safety glasses, or used what we now consider proper PPE. You were not considered a real welder if you didn’t have arc burn scars, metal removed from your eyes, or blew black snot out your nose at the end of the day. I was one of the old-timers who resisted having to wear safety glasses over my prescription glasses for several years. My thought process began to change after I had a piece of stainless steel cut out of my eye. Thankfully, a lot has changed since then. We all agree that wearing the appropriate PPE is for our own protection.

In this same light, we should consider the safety guidelines currently in place to reduce COVID-19 transmission as nothing more than required PPE. When I wear a mask in the shop around others, that is proper PPE. When I am instructing students in a welding lab and wearing a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), welding hood, or even a mask under my hood, that is considered proper PPE. When I enter a building and have my temperature taken, I am now more aware of my health. I’m just glad I don’t have to step on a scale each day!

Remind your employees that they are valued and their health is important to your business. Just like wearing safety glasses, that mask or respirator is for the safety of everyone. Stay safe, stay healthy.