Laser Welding PPE: Eye, Skin and Body Protection

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for laser welding is not interchangeable with conventional arc welding PPE. The hazards are different, the wavelengths are different, and the consequences of using the wrong equipment are severe. A standard arc welding helmet provides no meaningful protection against a Class IV laser beam. This guide covers the specific PPE requirements for handheld laser welding — what you need, why it matters, and what the relevant standards require.

For an introduction to laser welding safety and laser classification, see What Is Laser Welding Safety?

Why Standard Arc Welding PPE Is Not Sufficient

Conventional arc welding helmets are designed to protect against arc flash, UV radiation and visible light from the welding arc. They are not tested or rated for protection against near-infrared laser radiation at wavelengths such as 1,070 nm, which is the operating wavelength of most handheld laser welding systems. Using an arc welding helmet for laser welding can result in serious, permanent eye injury.

All PPE used in laser welding environments must be rated specifically for the laser wavelength and output class in use.

Eye Protection: Laser Safety Glasses

All personnel present in the Laser Controlled Area (LCA) during laser welding operations must wear appropriate laser safety eyewear. This includes bystanders and observers, not just the operator.

• Wavelength matching — laser safety glasses must be rated for the specific wavelength of the laser in use. For ESAB handheld laser welding systems, this is the 900–1,100 nm near-infrared range.
• Standard compliance — eyewear must comply with EN 207 (Europe) or equivalent national standards. The optical density rating of the lenses must be appropriate for the laser output power.
• Eyewear is a last resort, not a primary defence — laser safety eyewear protects against accidental, incidental exposure. It is not designed to be used as protection against direct, sustained beam exposure. Never look directly into a laser aperture or direct the torch at another person.
• Inspection before use — always inspect laser safety glasses for scratches, cracks or damage before use. Damaged lenses may not provide rated protection.

The Laser Welding Helmet

The primary eye and face protection for the laser welding operator is a dedicated laser welding helmet. This is distinct from both laser safety glasses and standard arc welding helmets.

Laser-specific welding helmets are designed for use with handheld laser welding systems operating as Class IV energy at 900–1,100 nm wavelengths. Key features include:

• Carbon fibre shell — provides structural protection and is non-reflective
• UV and IR filters — the lens filter meets a minimum protection level of EN 207:2017 D LB6, the standard for laser eye protection against pulsed and continuous-wave laser radiation
• Impact protection — ESAB laser-ready helmets also comply with eye and face impact protection standards including EN ISO 16321-1:2022, EN ISO 16321-2:2021 and AS/NZS 1337.1:2010
• Full face coverage — unlike standalone laser safety glasses, the full helmet provides protection for the entire face, not just the eyes

The helmet also provides respiratory protection when used with appropriate filtration — important given the fume hazards associated with laser welding. See our guide to Laser Welding Safety: Fire, Fume, Dust and Electrical Hazards for more detail on fume management.

Skin Protection: Protective Clothing

Laser radiation and the UV/IR radiation generated by the welding plasma can cause skin burns, increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin ageing with repeated exposure. All personnel in the LCA must wear appropriate protective clothing.

• Non-reflective materials — clothing must be non-reflective. Shiny or metallic materials can redirect laser energy unpredictably. Wear matte, dark-coloured clothing where possible.
• Non-flammable materials — avoid synthetic fabrics that melt rather than char. Wear flame-resistant (FR) clothing appropriate for welding environments.
• Full coverage — all skin should be covered. Avoid short sleeves, open collars or rolled-up cuffs in the LCA.

Hand Protection: Gloves

Appropriate gloves must be worn during laser welding operations. Gloves serve two purposes: protection against laser burns from incidental beam contact, and protection against hot or sharp workpieces.

• Gloves must comply with local and applicable international laser safety standards for the wavelength and power level in use.
• Gloves should also provide adequate thermal protection for handling heated workpieces after welding.
• As with all PPE, inspect gloves before use and replace any that are damaged, torn or contaminated.

PPE Minimum Requirements Summary