1910.252(b)(3): Protective Clothing for Welding
Employers must protect workers exposed to welding, cutting or brazing hazards with personal protective equipment that meets 1910.132. The right protective clothing depends on the size, nature and location of the work.
Key takeaways
- 1910.252(b)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 42 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $132,932 in current penalties.
- Most citations: GA (4), NY (3), KY (3).
- 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)(3) ("Protective clothing—General requirements") 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
(3) Protective clothing—General requirements. Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations shall be protected by personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of § 1910.132 of this part. Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed. 42 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: GA (4), NY (3), KY (3), OK (3), PA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 68729 - METALSA STRUCTURAL PRODUCTS INC | GLENDALE, KY | $35,000 |
| LINCOLN INDUSTRIES | LINCOLN, NE | $13,240 |
| STERLING ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, INC. | CARROLLTON, GA | $9,105 |
| 107503 - WASTE MANAGEMENT OF MINNESOTA INC | NORTHFIELD, MN | $8,820 |
| INDUSTRIAL TURNAROUND CORPORATION | CHESTER, VA | $8,390 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.252(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(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
What PPE rules apply to welders?
PPE must meet the requirements of 1910.132.
Is the same clothing required for every welding job?
No. Appropriate protective clothing varies with the size, nature and location of the work.
Who does this rule protect?
Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting or brazing.
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.