I have a request to put some cameras in a welding classroom we ran a couple of tests and a just used a regular cctv 480 line camera and it seemed tp be fine should I do anything special to protect the camera other than make sure it is not getting sparks and slag on it?

sounds like your are getting very close shots? anywho, protect the lense and also make sure you look at the grounding of the welder AND the camera equipment. Sice you'll ave obvious differences in potiential and the fact that a welder is a electrical monster..................just make sure you don't cause a shocking event....

Make sure the code or law in your area doesnt require explosion proof .. if so then you will want to look at the Extreme CCTV line of Explosion Proof cameras.