Safety Gear

The Wilco Welding Program is moving along and students are getting ready to take on some new challenges. Welding is a hands-on activity, and we are going to begin the Lab portion of our curriculum very soon. Before getting into the Lab, there are a few safety considerations that have to be understood by our students, and there is some protective gear required in order to perform welding. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements have been explained to the students during class, and through online assignments.

That being said, there are plenty of parents with questions about what those obligations are (and what it might cost). In order to help, we've included a summary of the class obligations in this email, and we've attached a copy of a presentation shared with students so everyone can see the same information (don't worry, I won't send parents the Test!).

Here are 3 main pieces of PPE that students must provide for themselves:

• Welding Helmet

• Welding Jacket

• Welding Gloves

Details on each item can be found in the attached presentation. Students will need to be "dressed for welding", upon arrival at Wilco, in a "base layer" of clothing suitable for a shop setting. Above the ankle Work Boots, Jeans &  100% cotton shirt is the Recommended combination.

Students will be issued a pair of Safety Glasses, but they are responsible for replacing them when damaged or lost.

The methods for obtaining PPE for the Welding Program:

• Online Shopping

• In-store purchase

Online Shopping:

• Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=welding+ppe&ref=nb_sb_noss_1)

• Cyberweld.com (https://store.cyberweld.com/saeq.html) (Best overall pricing we’ve been able to locate online so far with a large selection - professional grade)

Online shopping continues to be the less expensive option for obtaining PPE. There are a number of retailers selling comparable items, and it is easy to compare prices. The main limitation is being unable to try things on or touch items before purchase, but that’s a common feature when shopping online.

Welding PPE can be found locally, but options can be limited and costs can be higher. 

• Hardware stores (Menards, Lowes, Home Depot) have some items, but their options are limited, quality can be questionable, and costs are full-retail. Harbor Freight offers low cost but poor quality items.

• US Gas - (where we get our supplies from) 11618 South Mayfield Alsip, Illinois 60803  
      -uscylgas.com/ 

• Airgas. (A common industrial welding supplier with local storefront locations & online option. Quick Google Map search shows multiple stores in our area)

              -https://www.airgas.com/Safety-Products/category/53

• Blain’s Farm & Fleet or Big R offer a good variety and competitive prices (both in-store & online)

              https://www.farmandfleet.com/welding-and-soldering/

              https://www.bigr.com/search?q=welding&lang=en_US

*While we can point out a few locations, more are available in other areas. A Google Search for “Industrial Supply near me” or "Welding Supply" can find new results we may not be aware of.   

The tentative deadline for having their PPE on hand is the 3rd week of class, but students should be prepared to arrive wearing a base layer suitable for a "shop environment" even if they don't have all the PPE on hand yet. 

Please feel free to email us if you have questions or need additional information

Mr Moran: nmoran@wilcoacc.org

Ms Lisa: lmoran@wilcoacc.org