1910.252(b)(2)(iii): Shielding Others From Arc Welding Rays
Where the work permits, welders should be enclosed in booths painted with a low reflectivity finish, or enclosed with noncombustible screens painted the same way, and booths and screens must let air circulate at floor level. Workers or others next to welding areas must be protected from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields, or must wear appropriate goggles.
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(b)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 287 times in the last 3 years, in 287 inspections, with $883,011 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (24), PA (21), MN (21).
- 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)(iii) ("Protection from arc welding rays") 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
(iii) Protection from arc welding rays. Where the work permits, the welder should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a finish of low reflectivity such as zinc oxide (an important factor for absorbing ultraviolet radiations) and lamp black, or shall be enclosed with noncombustible screens similarly painted. Booths and screens shall permit circulation of air at floor level. Workers or other persons adjacent to the welding areas shall be protected from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields or shall be required to wear appropriate goggles. 287 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 | 7 |
| 2024 | 117 |
| 2025 | 95 |
| 2026 | 68 |
Top states: TX (24), PA (21), MN (21), GA (17), VA (14)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KENRIC STEEL, LLC | MILLVILLE, NJ | $82,964 |
| ARTCO-BELL CORPORATION | TEMPLE, TX | $14,518 |
| LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC. 154 | BEEVILLE, TX | $13,828 |
| EAST COAST STEEL, INC. | SEWELL, NJ | $13,550 |
| ARCOSA WIND TOWERS, INC. | BELEN, NM | $12,663 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.252(b)(2)(iii), 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)(iii).
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)(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)(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
How must nearby workers be protected from arc rays?
By noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields, or by wearing appropriate goggles.
What finish should welding booths have?
A finish of low reflectivity such as zinc oxide and lamp black.
Do booths need ventilation?
Booths and screens shall permit circulation of air at floor level.
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.