A piece of safety equipment called a welding blanket is used to shield tools and the welder during welding. Typically, welding blankets are covered with a flexible layer of heat-resistant fiber material and unsaved vermiculite.

Welding blankets are treated with fire-retardant coatings to minimize the risk of ignition and prevent the spread of flames in the event of sparks or hot particles landing on the blanket’s surface. Designed to contain and deflect sparks, spatter, and molten metal droplets generated during welding, cutting, and grinding processes, preventing them from causing damage to nearby equipment, surfaces, or personnel. In addition to direct flame and spark protection, welding blankets also provide effective shielding against radiant heat, reducing the risk of heat-related damage to adjacent materials and structures.