Which three hazards should a welder protect themselves from by wearing a proper welding helmet?

Wearing a proper welding helmet is crucial for a welder’s safety due to several inherent hazards involved in the welding process. The correct answer focuses on three key dangers: hot slag, spark, and harmful rays.

Hot slag is a byproduct of welding that can splash and cause severe burns if it comes in contact with bare skin or eyes. Protective gear, including a welding helmet, shields the welder from these hazardous materials.

Sparks fly during welding, creating a risk of injury to exposed skin and eyes. The welding helmet is designed to provide a barrier, protecting against these flying debris.

Harmful rays, particularly ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation produced during welding, can lead to serious eye damage (such as arc eye) and skin burns. A welding helmet equipped with the appropriate filter lens is essential to protect the welder's eyes from these harmful rays by absorbing a significant portion of the radiation produced during the process.

In contrast, the other options highlight hazards that may not be directly mitigated by a welding helmet alone. Cold air, water, dust, noise, and fumes, while significant, aren't specifically addressed by the protective features of a welding helmet. The helmet specifically targets the risks that arise directly from the welding