Which of the following is NOT a hazard that a welder is protected from by wearing a helmet?

A helmet is a critical piece of personal protective equipment for welders, designed primarily to safeguard against various hazards inherent in the welding process. One key reason the helmet offers protection is against harmful rays, such as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can cause serious eye damage if left unprotected.

Additionally, helmets shield welders from hot slag, which can splatter and cause burns to exposed skin or eyes during welding. They are also effective in providing a barrier against sparks that can fly off during the welding process, potentially igniting clothing or causing injuries.

Wind, however, is not a hazard that is mitigated by wearing a helmet. While wind can affect certain aspects of the welding process, such as altering the direction of the heat or causing the dispersion of fumes, a helmet does not provide direct protection from wind itself. Thus, the key protective functions of a helmet do not address the wind, clarifying why this choice is the correct answer.