1910.252(b)(2)(ii): Specifications for protectors
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(b)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $4,225 in current penalties.
- 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)(ii) ("Specifications for protectors") is one requirement inside 1910.252 General requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). It includes 9 sub-paragraphs. 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
(ii) Specifications for protectors. 1 citations
(A) Helmets and hand shields shall be made of a material which is an insulator for heat and electricity. Helmets, shields and goggles shall be not readily flammable and shall be capable of withstanding sterilization.
(B) Helmets and hand shields shall be arranged to protect the face, neck and ears from direct radiant energy from the arc.
(C) Helmets shall be provided with filter plates and cover plates designed for easy removal.
(D) All parts shall be constructed of a material which will not readily corrode or discolor the skin.
(E) Goggles shall be ventilated to prevent fogging of the lenses as much as practicable.
(F) All glass for lenses shall be tempered, substantially free from striae, air bubbles, waves and other flaws. Except when a lens is ground to provide proper optical correction for defective vision, the front and rear surfaces of lenses and windows shall be smooth and parallel.
(G) Lenses shall bear some permanent distinctive marking by which the source and shade may be readily identified.
(H) The following is a guide for the selection of the proper shade numbers. These recommendations may be varied to suit the individual's needs.
| Welding operation | Shade No. |
|---|---|
| Shielded metal-arc welding—1⁄16-, 3⁄32-, 1⁄8-, 5⁄32-inch electrodes | 10 |
| Gas-shielded arc welding (nonferrous)—1⁄16-, 3⁄32-, 1⁄8-, 5⁄32-inch electrodes | 11 |
| Gas-shielded arc welding (ferrous)—1⁄16-, 3⁄32-, 1⁄8-, 5⁄32-inch electrodes | 12 |
| Shielded metal-arc welding: | |
| 3⁄16-, 7⁄32-, 1⁄4-inch electrodes | 12 |
| 5⁄16-, 3⁄8-inch electrodes | 14 |
| Atomic hydrogen welding | 10-14 |
| Carbon arc welding | 14 |
| Soldering | 2 |
| Torch brazing | 3 or 4 |
| Light cutting, up to 1 inch | 3 or 4 |
| Medium cutting, 1 inch to 6 inches | 4 or 5 |
| Heavy cutting, 6 inches and over | 5 or 6 |
| Gas welding (light) up to 1⁄8 inch | 4 or 5 |
| Gas welding (medium) 1⁄8 inch to 1⁄2 inch | 5 or 6 |
| Gas welding (heavy) 1⁄2 inch and over | 6 or 8 |
| Note: In gas welding or oxygen cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter or lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the operation. | |
(I) Filter lenses must meet the test for transmission of radiant energy prescribed by any of the consensus standards listed in 29 CFR 1910.133(b)(1). Open (b)(2)(ii)(i)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.252.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.252(b)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Evaluation of Bilsom "VISION" welding helmet in meeting OSHA standards. (1986-06-20)
- Cool-view welding helmets must meet Grade D breathing air requirements; Requirements for standard welding helmets. (1981-07-14)
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)(2)(i)(A) 41 citations
- 1910.252(b)(4) Work in confined spaces 7 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.
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.