Eye and face protection

Under 1926.102(a)(1) the employer must ensure employees use eye or face protection whenever they are exposed to hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.

• Use this rule as the trigger for providing protection: if the task can expose eyes or face to those hazards, provide appropriate PPE. See 1926.102(a)(1).
• The protection chosen must address the specific hazard (for example, splash goggles for chemical splashes, faceshields plus goggles for high‑energy impacts or molten metal). See also the minimum protector requirements in 1926.102(a)(5).

Under 1926.102(a)(2) the employer must provide eye protection that includes side protection whenever there is a hazard from flying objects, and detachable side protectors (for example, clip-on or slide-on side shields) that meet the section's requirements are acceptable.

• If flying particles or debris might strike the eye from the side, use spectacles with side shields, goggles with built‑in side protection, or detachable side shields that meet the standard. See 1926.102(a)(2).
• Verify the side protectors meet the other protector criteria in 1926.102(a)(5).

Under 1926.102(a)(3) employers must ensure employees who wear prescription lenses while doing work involving eye hazards either use eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design or wear protective eyegear that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of either the prescription or the protective lenses.

• Options include prescription safety glasses, safety frames with prescription inserts, or goggles designed to be worn over regular eyeglasses. See 1926.102(a)(3).
• Ensure fit and position are not disrupted during work, and that the chosen option also provides required side protection if needed under 1926.102(a)(2).

Under 1926.102(a)(4) eye and face personal protective equipment must be distinctly marked so the manufacturer can be identified.

• Check frames, lenses, or other permanent parts for a manufacturer identification mark before placing PPE in service. See 1926.102(a)(4).
• Manufacturer marks help verify compliance with standards and traceability for replacement parts or recalls.

Under 1926.102(a)(5) protectors must provide adequate protection for the hazard, be reasonably comfortable, fit snugly without unduly interfering with movement, be durable, be capable of being disinfected, and be easily cleanable.

• The specific subrequirements are listed in 1926.102(a)(5): adequate protection (a)(5)(i), comfort (a)(5)(ii), fit (a)(5)(iii), durability (a)(5)(iv), disinfectability (a)(5)(v), and cleanability (a)(5)(vi).
• When selecting PPE, weigh both the protection level and user comfort to improve consistent use on the job.

Under 1926.102(b)(1) protective eye and face devices that comply with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003, or ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998) are acceptable.

• The standard explicitly lists the consensus documents: see 1926.102(b)(1)(i), 1926.102(b)(1)(ii), and 1926.102(b)(1)(iii).
• Use manufacturer labeling showing compliance with one of these editions to help confirm acceptable equipment.

Under 1926.102(b)(2) an employer may use protective devices that are not built to the listed ANSI standards if the employer demonstrates they are at least as effective as devices constructed to one of the acceptable consensus standards.

• That demonstration should be documented and based on objective evidence such as testing or manufacturer data showing equal or better protection. See 1926.102(b)(2).
• If in doubt, keep documentation on site to show compliance during inspections.

Under 1926.102(c)(1) you should use Table E-1 as a guide to select the proper shade number for welding filter lenses or plates based on the welding operation and electrode or work thickness.

• Table E-1 lists recommended shade numbers for common operations (for example, certain shielded metal‑arc welding electrode sizes call for shade 10 or 12). See 1926.102(c)(1).
• If an operator needs more protection (reduced glare or better comfort), the standard allows using shades more dense than those listed (see 1926.102(c)(1)).

Under 1926.102(c)(1) yes—shades more dense (darker) than those listed in Table E‑1 may be used to suit the individual's needs.

• Use the table as a minimum guide; if a worker finds a darker shade improves comfort or safety, they may choose a denser shade. See 1926.102(c)(1).
• Ensure the darker shade still allows the welder to perform the work safely (see Table E‑1 examples in 1926.102(c)(1)).

Under 1926.102(c)(2)(i)–(ii) employees exposed to laser beams must be furnished laser safety goggles that protect for the specific laser wavelength and provide adequate optical density (O.D.), and all protective goggles must bear a label identifying the intended laser wavelengths, the optical density for those wavelengths, and the visible light transmission.

• Ensure laser goggles specify the wavelength(s) and O.D. on the label and that the O.D. is adequate for the laser's energy. See 1926.102(c)(2)(i) and 1926.102(c)(2)(ii).
• The labeling elements are specifically listed in 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(A), 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(B), and 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(C).

Under 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(A–C) laser safety goggles must be labeled with (A) the laser wavelengths for which use is intended, (B) the optical density (O.D.) of those wavelengths, and (C) the visible light transmission.

• Confirm each pair of laser goggles has a legible label or permanently marked information showing the wavelength range, O.D., and visible transmission before use. See 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(A), 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(B), and 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(C).
• Use the labeling to match goggles to the specific laser hazard for that work task.

Under 1926.102(c)(2)(ii) and Table E‑2 you select the optical density (O.D.) based on the laser's maximum power or energy density; Table E‑2 matches maximum intensities to O.D. values (for example, higher power densities require higher O.D. values).

• When a laser's output falls between values in Table E‑2, you must use the higher optical density. See Table E‑2 and 1926.102(c)(2)(ii).
• Confirm the goggles' labeled O.D. matches or exceeds the O.D. required for your laser's power density.

Under 1926.102(a)(5)(v–vi) employers must ensure protectors are capable of being disinfected and are easily cleanable, and employers should establish cleaning and disinfection procedures so equipment remains sanitary.

• Provide suitable cleaning materials and schedules; for shared equipment, disinfect between users. See 1926.102(a)(5)(v) and 1926.102(a)(5)(vi).
• Keep PPE in good, clean condition and remove or repair scratched or damaged lenses that impair protection.

Under 1926.102(a)(5)(ii–iii) protectors must be reasonably comfortable under the conditions of use and must fit snugly without unduly interfering with the wearer’s movements.

• Select models that workers can wear for the duration of tasks; discomfort reduces compliance. See 1926.102(a)(5)(ii) and 1926.102(a)(5)(iii).
• Provide sizing options and allow employees to try different styles to ensure proper fit and consistent use.

Under 1926.102(b)(1)(i–iii) the acceptable consensus standards are ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003, or ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R‑1998), which are incorporated by reference in [1926.6].

• Check the product label or documentation to see which ANSI edition the device meets; any of the listed editions are acceptable under 1926.102(b)(1) and 1926.6.
• If the product claims a different standard, follow 1926.102(b)(2) to document equivalence.

Under 1926.102(b)(2) the employer should keep objective evidence—such as manufacturer test reports, third‑party certification, or engineering data—that demonstrates the device provides protection at least equal to devices made to one of the listed consensus standards.

• Document results and rationale that show equivalent impact, optical, splash, or radiation protection compared to the ANSI reference. See 1926.102(b)(2).
• Keep that documentation available for inspectors or safety reviews.

Under 1926.102(a)(1) and 1926.102(a)(5)(i) choose the type of eye/face protection that provides adequate protection for the specific hazard: safety glasses for impact from flying particles, goggles for splash or fine dust that can bypass glasses, and face shields (used with goggles when necessary) for molten metal, chemical splashes, or high‑energy impacts.

• Safety glasses (with side protection when needed) are appropriate for moderate impact hazards. See 1926.102(a)(1) and 1926.102(a)(5)(i).
• Goggles that seal to the face are best for chemical splashes or fine particulates; faceshields are auxiliary protection for the face but generally should not be used alone against eye hazards that require a protective lens.

Under 1926.102(c) and Table E‑1, shielded metal‑arc welding using 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, or 5/32‑inch diameter electrodes is listed with a recommended filter lens shade number of 10.

• Use Table E‑1 in 1926.102(c)(1) as a guide for common welding operations and their shade recommendations.
• If needed, use a darker shade to suit the operator’s needs (see 1926.102(c)(1)).

Under 1926.102(a)(3) yes—if prescription lenses cannot be incorporated into the protective device, the worker may wear protective eyegear designed to be worn over prescription lenses so long as the protective device does not disturb the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.

• Ensure the over‑goggles fit securely and provide required side protection as applicable. See 1926.102(a)(3).

Under 1926.102(a)(5)(iv) ‘durable’ means the protector must withstand normal workplace use without failing to provide protection—frames, straps, and lenses should resist breakage and degradation during expected service life.

• Inspect PPE regularly and replace worn, cracked, or excessively scratched items; durability is tested or shown by manufacturer documentation per the consensus standards in 1926.102(b)(1).
• Keeping damaged PPE in service may violate 1926.102(a)(5)(iv).

Under 1926.102(a)(1) and OSHA interpretation guidance, employers must assess the workplace to determine hazards before selecting PPE, and OSHA advises performing a hazard assessment and documenting certification when PPE will be required.

• OSHA's regulation requires appropriate protection for recognized eye and face hazards 1926.102(a)(1), and the PPE hazard assessment requirements interpretation explains employers must assess hazards and prepare written certification when PPE is required.
• Use the assessment to identify the specific hazard (impact, chemical splash, radiation, etc.) and to document why the selected PPE is appropriate.

Under 1926.102(c)(2)(i) and Table E‑2 a continuous wave maximum power density of 1.0 watts/cm2 corresponds to an optical density (O.D.) of 7.

• Use Table E‑2 in 1926.102(c)(2)(ii) to match power density to required O.D. and ensure the goggles’ labeled O.D. meets or exceeds that value.
• If the laser output lies between table values, the standard requires selecting the higher O.D.

Under 1926.102(a)(5) and 1926.102(b) yes—employers may provide eye protection from different manufacturers provided each device meets the minimum protector requirements in 1926.102(a)(5) and complies with an acceptable consensus standard or is demonstrated to be equivalent under 1926.102(b)(2).

• Verify each product’s markings and documentation to confirm compliance with 1926.102(a)(4) and the ANSI editions in 1926.102(b)(1).

Under 1926.102(a)(1) a face shield alone is generally not acceptable as primary eye protection against chemical splashes—appropriate primary eye protection like chemical splash goggles should be used, and a face shield can be used in addition when full face protection is needed.

• Face shields provide protection for the face and may reduce splash force, but they do not seal the eye area; use splash goggles or sealed goggles for chemical exposure. See 1926.102(a)(1) and the minimum protector requirement in 1926.102(a)(5)(i).

Under 1926.102(a)(5)(i) and 1926.102(b)(1) an employer should document adequacy by referencing the applicable consensus standard compliance (for example, ANSI Z87.1 labeling) or retaining test/certification data showing the device protects against the identified hazard.

• Keep manufacturer specifications, ANSI compliance marks, or equivalency test reports on file to show why the device meets the hazard needs. See 1926.102(a)(5)(i) and 1926.102(b)(1).

Under 1926.102(a)(3) and 1926.102(a)(5) prescription safety glasses may be used for welding only if the prescription is incorporated into lenses that also provide the required filter shade for welding operations listed in Table E‑1, or if the worker uses a suitable welding helmet or filtered visor that accommodates prescription lenses without disturbing their position.

• Match the welding filter shade required by 1926.102(c)(1) (Table E‑1) and ensure comfort and fit per 1926.102(a)(5).
• If prescription lenses cannot provide the required shade, use appropriate welding helmets or filtered plates designed to be used with prescription eyewear.

Under 1926.102(a)(4) and 1926.102(b)(1) you should not rely on unlabeled PPE; either obtain replacement equipment that is distinctly marked with manufacturer identification and ANSI compliance or document that the unlabeled device is equivalent under [1926.102(b)(2)].

• Replace unlabeled items with properly marked equipment per 1926.102(a)(4) and 1926.102(b)(1).
• If you claim equivalence for an unlabeled device, retain objective supporting documentation as required by 1926.102(b)(2).

Under 1926.102(c) and the laser labeling rules, before permitting use you must verify the goggles’ label identifies the laser wavelength(s), the optical density for those wavelengths, and the visible light transmission, and confirm the listed O.D. is adequate for the laser’s power or energy density (using Table E‑2 if needed).

• Check the goggles’ labeling elements required by 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(A–C), 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(B), and 1926.102(c)(2)(ii)(C), and match O.D. against Table E‑2 in 1926.102(c)(2)(ii).

Under 1926.102(a) and OSHA guidance an employer is responsible for ensuring a workplace hazard assessment is performed (and certified in writing when PPE is required); the assessment should be done by someone knowledgeable about the tasks and hazards so appropriate eye protection can be selected.

• The PPE hazard assessment interpretation explains employers must assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present and prepare written certification when PPE is required; use that assessment to select eye protection under 1926.102(a)(1). See OSHA’s guidance PPE hazard assessment requirements.
• Document who performed the assessment, the date, the hazards identified, and the PPE selected to show compliance.