OSHA 1910.252 Welding, Cutting and Brazing, Protection of Personnel: what it requires and the equipment it names
29 CFR 1910.252 is the general industry welding rule; paragraph (b) is the personnel protection part: helmets or hand shields for all arc welding and cutting, goggles for gas welding and oxygen cutting, the specifications and shade number guide for filter lenses, protective clothing under 1910.132, and the confined space and ventilation rules that follow. We sell nationwide; ships in 1–2 business days; most orders arrive in 3–7 business days.
The plain answer
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2) requires helmets or hand shields during all arc welding and arc cutting (except submerged arc), with proper eye protection for helpers, goggles or other suitable eye protection for all gas welding and oxygen cutting, transparent face shields or goggles for resistance welding, and goggles where needed for brazing; the helmets, shields and goggles must insulate against heat and electricity, resist flame, protect the face, neck and ears from the arc, carry easily removed filter and cover plates, and have lenses marked with the source and shade.
Paragraph (b)(3) sends protective clothing to 1910.132, with the note that the clothing needed varies with the size, nature and location of the work; (b)(4) sets the confined space rules for welding, including ventilation, lifelines and an attendant; and (c) covers ventilation and the fume limits for fluorine compounds, zinc, lead, beryllium, cadmium, mercury and cleaning solvents.
The equipment it names is welding helmets and hand shields with filter and cover plates, goggles, face shields for resistance welding, filter lenses by shade number (shade 10 for shielded metal arc with 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes, 11 to 12 for gas-shielded arc, 14 for carbon arc, 2 for soldering, 3 or 4 for brazing and light cutting, 4 to 8 for gas welding), protective clothing under 1910.132, and in confined spaces lifelines, harnesses and an attendant.
What the rule says
Each entry is condensed from the paragraph cited; the paragraph itself is the rule and the link opens it.
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(i): Helmets or hand shields are used during all arc welding or arc cutting (except submerged arc), helpers and attendants get proper eye protection; goggles or other suitable eye protection for all gas welding or oxygen cutting, with spectacles without side shields but with filter lenses permitted for light gas welding, torch brazing or inspection; transparent face shields or goggles for resistance welding and brazing operators; goggles where needed for other brazing.
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(ii): Helmets and hand shields are made of a material that insulates against heat and electricity; helmets, shields and goggles are not readily flammable and can be sterilized; helmets and shields protect the face, neck and ears from direct radiant energy; filter and cover plates are easily removable; goggles are ventilated against fogging; lens glass is tempered and free of flaws; lenses bear a permanent marking identifying the source and shade.
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(H): Shade number guide: shielded metal arc welding with 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes, shade 10; gas-shielded arc welding, nonferrous 11 and ferrous 12; shielded metal arc with 3/16 to 1/4 inch electrodes 12 and 5/16 to 3/8 inch 14; atomic hydrogen 10 to 14; carbon arc 14; soldering 2; torch brazing 3 or 4; light cutting to 1 inch 3 or 4, medium cutting 1 to 6 inches 4 or 5, heavy cutting over 6 inches 5 or 6; gas welding light (to 1/8 inch) 4 or 5, medium (1/8 to 1/2 inch) 5 or 6, heavy (over 1/2 inch) 6 or 8.
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(iii): Where the work permits, the welder is enclosed in a booth or by noncombustible screens with a low-reflectivity finish to protect others from the arc.
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(3): Employees exposed to the hazards of welding, cutting or brazing are protected by PPE under 1910.132; the appropriate protective clothing varies with the size, nature and location of the work.
29 CFR 1910.252(b)(4): In confined spaces: ventilation is a prerequisite; gas cylinders and welding machines stay outside; where a welder must enter through a manhole or small opening, means are provided for quick removal in an emergency, with lifelines attached to the welder's body so the welder cannot be jammed in the exit, and an attendant with a preplanned rescue procedure stationed outside; electrode holders are placed and torches shut off when work is suspended.
29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5): The eye protection rule's own shade table by arc current: shielded metal arc 7 (under 60 A) to 11 (250 to 550 A), gas metal arc and flux cored 7 to 10, gas tungsten arc 8 to 10, plasma arc welding 6 to 11, plasma arc cutting 8 to 10.
Source: 29 CFR, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, as published by OSHA (ecfr.gov), read Nov 9 2026.
California (Cal/OSHA)
Each entry is condensed from the paragraph cited; the paragraph itself is the rule and the link opens it.
Title 8 §3382(b): Where exposed to injurious light rays, lens shade is selected from Table EP-1, which repeats the federal construction and 1910.252 shade numbers.
Title 8 §1536: Construction welding, brazing and cutting: local exhaust ventilation of 100 feet per minute in the welding zone indoors, dilution ventilation or respirators under §1531 where that is not feasible, local exhaust for beryllium, cadmium, chromium, fluorides, lead, mercury, zinc and stainless steel work in enclosed spaces, and supplied-air respirators where exhaust cannot hold exposures under §5155.
Source: California Code of Regulations, Title 8, as published by Cal/OSHA (dir.ca.gov), read Nov 9 2026.
Equipment the rule names
| Equipment or condition | What the rule requires | Paragraph |
|---|---|---|
| Arc welding and cutting | Helmet or hand shield; helpers in proper eye protection | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(A) |
| Gas welding and oxygen cutting | Goggles or other suitable eye protection; spectacles with filter lenses for light work, brazing and inspection | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(B) |
| Resistance welding and brazing | Transparent face shields or goggles | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(C)-(D) |
| Helmet construction | Insulating, not readily flammable, protects face, neck and ears; removable filter and cover plates | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(ii) |
| Filter lens | Permanently marked with source and shade; shade per the guide (10 for SMAW 1/16 to 5/32 in, 12 for GMAW ferrous, 14 carbon arc, 2 soldering, 3 or 4 brazing) | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(G)-(H) |
| Protective clothing | Under 1910.132: gloves, aprons, jackets, leathers as the work requires | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(3) |
| Confined space welding | Ventilation, lifelines attached to the welder, attendant outside, cylinders and machines outside | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(4) |
| Screens or booths | Noncombustible, low reflectivity, to protect others from the arc | 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(iii) |
Source: 29 CFR, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, as published by OSHA (ecfr.gov), read Nov 9 2026.
What we carry for it
Each table lists products whose manufacturer data states the rating or the standard the rule names, every brand we carry that does, with the current price. Sizes and versions are chosen on the product page. The selector linked under each table holds every item of that type.
Welding helmets by shade (auto-darkening and passive)
More: every welding helmet by shade and brand.
Source: the manufacturers' product pages, specification sheets and catalogs as reproduced on each product page; the ratings and standards shown are the manufacturers' own statements, and the products listed are those whose published data names the rating or the standard, not a selection by Bayshore Safety.
Filter lenses and cover plates
| Part number | Item | Rating stated | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7010316249 | 3M 9100X Welding Lenses, Speedglas Auto-Darkening Filter, Shade | Shade 5, 8-13 | $647.98 | |
 | 7100312634 | 3M G5 Welding Lenses, Speedglas G5 Auto-Darkening Welding Filter | Shade 2.5 (light state) | $621.18 | |
 | UV237M | Anchor Brand Cover Lens | Clear | $9.31 | Choose on the page |
 | 93210510 | Best Welds Welding Lenses, Glass Filter Plates | Shade 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 | $1.36 | Choose on the page |
 | 93210910 | Best Welds Welding Lenses, Gold Coated Filter Plate | Shade 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 | $7.64 | Choose on the page |
 | UVT01 | Dynaflux UVT01 Welding Lenses, TUFCOTE Dual Purpose Safety/Cover | Clear | $0.64 | |
 | UVT02 | Dynaflux UVT02 Welding Lenses, TUFCOTE Polycarbonate Hard Coated | $1.48 | ||
 | 1060030 | Harris Product Group 1060030 Welding Lenses, Plain Glass | $97.10 | ||
 | 46128 | Jackson Safety 46128 Welding Lenses, Insight Variable | Shade 9-13 | $234.95 | |
 | 16622 | Jackson Safety Welding Lenses, W60 NEXGEN Digital Auto-Darkening | Shade 9-12 | $32.35 | Choose on the page |
More: every lens and cover plate by shade and size.
Source: the manufacturers' product pages, specification sheets and catalogs as reproduced on each product page; the ratings and standards shown are the manufacturers' own statements, and the products listed are those whose published data names the rating or the standard, not a selection by Bayshore Safety.
Welding gloves
More: every welding glove by leather and cuff.
Source: the manufacturers' product pages, specification sheets and catalogs as reproduced on each product page; the ratings and standards shown are the manufacturers' own statements, and the products listed are those whose published data names the rating or the standard, not a selection by Bayshore Safety.
Welding jackets, aprons and sleeves (protective clothing under 1910.132)
| Part number | Item | Rating stated | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 95243 | Ansell 95243 Welding Apparel, ActivArmr Cotton/Kevlar Flame Resistant Welding | $246.00 | Choose on the page | |
 | 60-373 | Black Stallion 60-373 Welding Apparel, 9 oz FR Cotton Welding Coat, 30 in | $110.74 | Choose on the page | |
 | 3004-1 | Caiman 3004 Welding Sleeves, 9oz FR Cotton, 18 in | ASTM D6413; ISO 11611; ISO 11612 | $11.49 | |
 | 3030 | Caiman 3030 Welding Jackets, Boarhide | $137.00 | Choose on the page | |
 | 333-CL | Chicago Protective Apparel 333-CL Welding Apparel, Deluxe Split Leather Spring | $163.59 | ||
 | 778-AKV | Chicago Protective Apparel 778-AKV Welding Apparel, Aluminized Para-Aramid | $245.18 | ||
 | 7041/18 | Ironcat 7041 Welding Sleeves, 9oz FR Cotton, Twill | ASTM D6413; ISO 11611; ISO 11612 | $7.79 | |
 | 7043/36 | Ironcat 7043 Welding Aprons, 9oz FR Cotton | ASTM D6413; ISO 11611; ISO 11612 | $9.49 | |
 | 231096 | Miller Electric 231096 Welding Apparel, Indura FR Welding Sleeves, 21 in | $48.03 | ||
 | L05NLNLVCXXLG | National Safety Apparel L05NLNLVCXXLG Welding Apparel, Aluminized OPF | $169.97 |
More: every welding jacket, apron and sleeve.
Source: the manufacturers' product pages, specification sheets and catalogs as reproduced on each product page; the ratings and standards shown are the manufacturers' own statements, and the products listed are those whose published data names the rating or the standard, not a selection by Bayshore Safety.
Welding blankets and curtains (screens for others nearby)
More: every blanket and curtain.
Source: the manufacturers' product pages, specification sheets and catalogs as reproduced on each product page; the ratings and standards shown are the manufacturers' own statements, and the products listed are those whose published data names the rating or the standard, not a selection by Bayshore Safety.
Respirators for welding fumes (1910.252(c) with 1910.134)
| Part number | Item | Rating stated | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9210+ | 3M Aura N95 Particulate Disposable Respirators | N95, TC-84A-8590 (9205+) | $29.88 | Choose on the page |
 | 3951326 | Draeger 3951326 X-plore 1900 Series R95 V Valved Disposable Respirator, Case of 270 | R95 | $930.20 | |
 | 270-RPD714N95 | Dynamic 270-RPD714N95 Deluxe N95 Disposable Respirator, Valve, 10 Pack | N95 | $21.99 | |
 | 1740 | Gerson 1740 Disposable Respirators, N95 Particulate Respirator, Nose and Mouth | N95, Disposable/filtering facepiece | $181.47 | |
 | 151 | Moldex 151 Disposable Respirators, N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirators | N95, Disposable/filtering facepiece | $48.24 | Choose on the page |
 | 270-4000 | PIP 270-4000 Disposable Respirators, Disposable Face Mask, 50 Pack | $4.39 | ||
 | 6738356 | Draeger 6738356 X-plore Pure Adapter, Pack of 10 | P100 | $60.29 |
More: every cartridge, filter and facepiece listed for welding fume.
Source: the manufacturers' product pages, specification sheets and catalogs as reproduced on each product page; the ratings and standards shown are the manufacturers' own statements, and the products listed are those whose published data names the rating or the standard, not a selection by Bayshore Safety.
Guides that go further
What PPE does OSHA require for welding · Is welding dangerous · Respirators for welding fumes · Safety glasses lens tints explained · 1910.133, the eye and face rule with the shade table by amperage.
OSHA 1910.252 Welding, Cutting and Brazing, Protection of Personnel questions
Is shade 10 or 11 better for welding? The rule gives shade 10 for shielded metal arc welding with 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes and 11 for gas-shielded arc welding of nonferrous metal (12 for ferrous), in 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(H); 1910.133(a)(5) sets the shade by arc current instead (SMAW: 8 at 60 to 160 A, 10 at 160 to 250 A, 11 at 250 to 550 A). Both tables say a darker shade may be used to suit the welder, never a lighter one than the minimum.
What shade is used for MIG welding? MIG is gas metal arc welding: 1910.252 lists gas-shielded arc welding at shade 11 (nonferrous) and 12 (ferrous) for 1/16 to 5/32 inch wire, and 1910.133(a)(5) lists gas metal arc and flux cored at shade 7 under 60 A and 10 from 60 to 500 A. Auto-darkening helmets cover the range on their adjustable shade setting, which the manufacturer states on each helmet.
Is shade 5 enough for welding? For gas (oxyfuel) welding of medium plate (1/8 to 1/2 inch) and medium oxygen cutting (1 to 6 inches), the rule lists shade 5 (or 4 to 6), and for torch brazing 3 or 4. For any arc welding the minimum in both OSHA tables is 7 or higher, so shade 5 is a cutting and brazing shade, not an arc shade.
Are welding jackets required by OSHA? 1910.252(b)(3) requires protective clothing under 1910.132 for employees exposed to the hazards of welding, cutting or brazing, and says the clothing varies with the size, nature and location of the work; OSHA's welding guidance names flame-resistant jackets, aprons, leather sleeves, gauntlet gloves and cuffless trousers. The hazard assessment under 1910.132(d) decides which.
What PPE is required during arc welding? From 1910.252(b)(2): a helmet or hand shield with a filter lens of the right shade and a cover plate, eye protection for helpers, and protective clothing under 1910.132 for the sparks, spatter and ultraviolet; with 1910.252(c) and 1910.134 adding respiratory protection where fume exposure exceeds the limits, and 1910.252(b)(4) adding lifelines and an attendant in confined spaces.
Can you weld in a confined space? Yes under 1910.252(b)(4) with its conditions: ventilation sufficient to keep fumes and gases within limits and oxygen normal, gas cylinders and welding machines left outside, a lifeline attached to the welder for quick removal through a manhole or small opening, an attendant outside with a rescue procedure, and electrode holders and torches made safe when work is suspended; the confined space itself is entered under 1910.146.
The ratings, test results and standards shown here are the manufacturers' published values, reproduced as published. Nothing on this page is a recommendation by Bayshore Safety that any product is suitable for a particular task, hazard or workplace. Selecting safety products and protective equipment is the responsibility of the end user and the employer, based on their own hazard assessment and the regulations that apply to their work. Confirm every value on the manufacturer's own documentation before use.