1910.252(b)(2)(i)(A): Helmets and Shields for Arc Welding
Helmets or hand shields must be used during all arc welding or arc cutting, except submerged arc welding. Helpers or attendants must be given proper eye protection.
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 41 times in the last 3 years, in 41 inspections, with $126,100 in current penalties.
- Most citations: KS (4), WI (4), MN (4).
- Related part: 1910.252(b) Protection of personnel (391 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(A) is one requirement inside 1910.252 General requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(A) Helmets or hand shields shall be used during all arc welding or arc cutting operations, excluding submerged arc welding. Helpers or attendants shall be provided with proper eye protection. 41 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.252.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: KS (4), WI (4), MN (4), TN (3), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| IMPERIAL GROUP MANUFACTURING, INC. | DUBLIN, VA | $10,276 |
| HORIZONS SYSTEMS | PARSONS, KS | $8,298 |
| ARNOLD STEEL CO., INC. | HOWELL, NJ | $7,000 |
| MERRILL IRON & STEEL, INC. | SCHOFIELD, WI | $6,632 |
| CROSS TRAILERS, LLC | BRADDYVILLE, IA | $6,620 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(A).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.252(b) Protection of personnel 391 citations
- 1910.252(b)(2) Eye protection 341 citations
- 1910.252(b)(2)(iii) Protection from arc welding rays 287 citations
- 1910.252(b)(2)(i) Selection 53 citations
- 1910.252(b)(3) Protective clothing—General requirements 42 citations
- 1910.252(b)(4) Work in confined spaces 7 citations
- 1910.252(b)(2)(ii) Specifications for protectors 1 citations
- 1910.252(b)(4)(vii) Warning sign
- 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(I)
- 1910.252(b)(4)(i) General
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must a welding helmet or hand shield be used?
During all arc welding or arc cutting operations, excluding submerged arc welding.
Do helpers need protection?
Yes. Helpers or attendants must be provided proper eye protection.
Is submerged arc welding covered?
No. It is excluded from this requirement.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.252 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.