1926.102(b): Eye and Face Protection Standards
Employers must use eye and face protection that meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003 or ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998). Devices the employer shows are at least as effective as those built to one of these standards also comply.
Key takeaways
- 1926.102(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $10,198 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: FL (3), HI (3), OH (2).
- Related part: 1926.102(b)(1) (13 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1926.102(b) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.102(b) ("Criteria for protective eye and face protection") is one requirement inside 1926.102 Eye and face protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart E). It includes 5 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
(b) Criteria for protective eye and face protection. 13 citations
(1) Protective eye and face protection devices must comply with any of the following consensus standards: Open (b)(1) 13 citations
(i) ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, incorporated by reference in § 1926.6; 4 citations
(ii) ANSI Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, incorporated by reference in § 1926.6; or
(iii) ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998), Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, incorporated by reference in § 1926.6;
(2) Protective eye and face protection devices that the employer demonstrates are at least as effective as protective eye and face protection devices that are constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.102.
Export the list: 13 inspections cited 1926.102(b) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.102(b).
At 2:42 p.m. on July 19, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a utility company, was working to reconduct new conductor lines. The employee failed to use a rubber insulated hose/cover on a nearby energized electrical conductor, which led to electrocution. Emergency services responded to the…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: FL (3), HI (3), OH (2), WI (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BURGEON CONSTRUCTION, LLC | DRIGGS, ID | $3,042 |
| PACIFIC CROSSING INC | KAMUELA, HI | $2,954 |
| RRC HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. | LODI, NJ | $2,500 |
| UZIAS HERNANDEZ | STATESBORO, GA | $1,702 |
| J & F ENTERPRISE, LLC | APPLETON, WI | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.102(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.102(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.102(b)(1) 13 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards must construction eye protection meet?
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003, or ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998).
Can other eye protection be used?
Yes, if the employer demonstrates it is at least as effective as devices built to one of those standards.
Does this cover face protection too?
Yes. It covers protective eye and face protection devices.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.102 (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 2026-11-05
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.