OSHA 1926.102 Eye and Face Protection (Construction): what it requires and the equipment it names
29 CFR 1926.102 is the construction eye and face rule. Paragraphs (a) and (b) match 1910.133 (hazards, side protection, prescription lenses, manufacturer marking, ANSI Z87.1-2010, 2003 and 1989), paragraph (a)(5) adds six minimum requirements for protectors, and paragraph (c) carries Table E-1 welding shades and the laser goggle table. We sell nationwide; ships in 1–2 business days; most orders arrive in 3–7 business days.
The plain answer
29 CFR 1926.102 requires each affected construction employee to use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation; side protection against flying objects; eye protection that incorporates or fits over prescription lenses; and protectors marked with the manufacturer that are protective, reasonably comfortable, snug, durable, disinfectable and cleanable.
The devices must meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, Z87.1-2003 or Z87.1-1989 (R-1998) or be shown at least as effective. Paragraph (c)(1) sets Table E-1 shade numbers for welding and cutting and (c)(2) requires laser safety goggles of the optical density for the wavelength and power, with a label stating wavelength, optical density and visible light transmission.
The equipment it names is Z87.1 safety glasses, goggles and face shields, detachable side shields, prescription safety eyewear or over-the-glass protectors, filter lenses by shade (10 for shielded metal arc with 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes, 12 for 3/16 to 1/4 inch, 14 for carbon arc, 2 for soldering, 3 or 4 for brazing and light cutting, 4 to 8 for gas welding) and laser goggles of optical density 5 to 8.
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 1926.102(a)(1)-(2): Appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or injurious light radiation; side protection where there is a flying object hazard, with clip-on or slide-on side shields acceptable.
29 CFR 1926.102(a)(3)-(4): Prescription wearers use eye protection that incorporates the prescription or fits over it without disturbing either pair; eye and face PPE is distinctly marked to identify the manufacturer.
29 CFR 1926.102(a)(5): Protectors provide adequate protection against the hazards for which they are designed, are reasonably comfortable, fit snugly without unduly interfering with movement, are durable, can be disinfected and are easily cleanable.
29 CFR 1926.102(b): Devices comply with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003 or ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998), incorporated by reference in 1926.6, or the employer demonstrates equivalence.
29 CFR 1926.102(c)(1): Table E-1 is the guide to filter shade numbers, with denser shades permitted: shielded metal arc 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes 10; gas-shielded arc nonferrous 11 and ferrous 12; shielded metal arc 3/16 to 1/4 inch 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 up to 1 inch 3 or 4, medium 1 to 6 inches 4 or 5, heavy over 6 inches 5 or 6; gas welding light 4 or 5, medium 5 or 6, heavy 6 or 8.
29 CFR 1926.102(c)(2): Employees exposed to laser beams are furnished laser safety goggles that protect for the specific wavelength and have an optical density adequate for the energy (Table E-2: optical density 5 for 0.01 W/cm² up to 8 for 10 W/cm²), labeled with the wavelengths, optical density and visible light transmission.
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 §1514, §3382: Construction employees exposed to eye hazards wear approved eye or face protection under the General Industry Safety Orders §3382, whose Table EP-1 repeats the Table E-1 shade numbers.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Any eye or face protector | ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, Z87.1-2003 or Z87.1-1989 (R-1998) | 29 CFR 1926.102(b)(1) |
| Flying objects | Side protection; detachable side shields acceptable | 29 CFR 1926.102(a)(2) |
| Prescription wearers | Prescription safety eyewear or over-the-glass protection | 29 CFR 1926.102(a)(3) |
| Welding and cutting filter | Table E-1 shade by operation | 29 CFR 1926.102(c)(1) |
| Laser work | Goggles of optical density 5 to 8 for the wavelength, labeled | 29 CFR 1926.102(c)(2) |
| Fit and marking | Snug, comfortable, durable, cleanable; manufacturer marked | 29 CFR 1926.102(a)(4)-(5) |
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.
Safety glasses stated Z87.1+ by their manufacturers
More: every safety glass by mark, tint 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.
Over-the-glass (OTG) safety glasses for prescription wearers
| Part number | Item | Rating stated | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7100203179 | 3M 3700 SecureFit Over-the-Glass Safety Glasses, Clear Anti-Fog | Over-the-Glass | $144.32 | |
 | 192 | Crossfire 192 Safety Glasses, Over the Glass | Over the Glass | $7.89 | Choose on the page |
 | OG3 | Crossfire OG3 Safety Glasses, Clear, Smoke Lens, Over the Glass | Over the Glass | $7.69 | Choose on the page |
 | 1750QC | Liberty Safety iNOX 1750QC Armour Over-The-Glass Safety Glasses (Bulk Pack) | Over-The-Glass | $1.19 | |
 | 98 | MCR Safety 98 Safety Glasses, Clear Lens, Over the Glass, Dielectric | Over the Glass | $242.00 | Choose on the page |
 | OG1 | MCR Safety Law OG1 Safety Glasses, Clear, Gray Lens, Anti-Fog, Over the Glass | Over the Glass | $53.99 | Choose on the page |
 | S2510 | UVEX Astrospec OTG 3001 S2510 Safety Glasses, ANSI Z87.1+, Clear Lens | OTG | $143.00 | |
 | RWS-51135 | UVEX RWS-51135 Safety Glasses, Clear Lens, Anti-scratch, Over-the-Glass (OTG) | Over-the-Glass | $39.99 |
More: every OTG frame.
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.
Goggles for dust, splash and concrete work
More: every goggle by mark.
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.
Face shields and headgear
More: every face shield and headgear.
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 helmets and shade lenses (Table E-1)
More: every helmet and lens by shade.
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
OSHA safety glasses requirements · What does ANSI Z87.1 mean on safety glasses · Safety glasses that fit over prescription glasses (OTG) · Prescription safety glasses · What certification is required on safety glasses · What PPE does OSHA require on a construction site · 1910.133, the general industry eye rule with the shade table by amperage.
OSHA 1926.102 Eye and Face Protection (Construction) questions
What eye protection does OSHA require on a construction site? Under 1926.102, protection built to ANSI Z87.1 (2010, 2003 or 1989) wherever employees face flying particles, molten metal, chemicals, gases, vapors or injurious light, with side protection where objects can fly, and filter shades from Table E-1 for welding and cutting. Which style is a matter of the hazard: glasses for impact, goggles for dust and splash, a face shield over them for grinding and chipping.
Does a construction worker with prescription glasses need safety glasses? Yes. 1926.102(a)(3) requires eye protection that incorporates the prescription (prescription safety eyewear marked Z87-2) or that is worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing them (OTG safety glasses or goggles); ordinary prescription glasses are not Z87.1 protectors.
What shade for welding under the construction rule? Table E-1 in 1926.102(c)(1): shade 10 for shielded metal arc with 1/16 to 5/32 inch electrodes, 12 for 3/16 to 1/4 inch, 14 for 5/16 to 3/8 inch and carbon arc, 11 or 12 for gas-shielded arc, 2 for soldering, 3 or 4 for torch brazing and light cutting, 4 or 5 to 6 or 8 for gas welding by plate thickness, with darker shades allowed.
Are side shields required? When there is a hazard from flying objects, 1926.102(a)(2) requires side protection, and it accepts detachable clip-on or slide-on side shields that meet the section; wraparound frames and integral side shields meet it in the same way.
What does 1926.102 say about laser goggles? 1926.102(c)(2): employees exposed to laser beams are furnished goggles that protect for the specific wavelength with an optical density adequate for the energy, from Table E-2 (optical density 5 at 0.01 watts per square centimeter up to 8 at 10 watts per square centimeter), labeled with the wavelengths, the optical density and the visible light transmission.
Does the construction rule differ from 1910.133? The hazards, side protection, prescription and Z87.1 paragraphs are the same. 1926.102 adds the six protector requirements in (a)(5) (protective, comfortable, snug, durable, disinfectable, cleanable), uses Table E-1 by electrode size and plate thickness instead of 1910.133's table by arc current, and adds the laser goggle paragraph.
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.