Goggles & Glasses

Welding goggles are specialized eye protection designed to shield your eyes from bright arcs, sparks, and harmful UV/IR radiation during welding. They often feature dark-tinted lenses rated by shade number, wrap-around designs, and side shields for enhanced protection in tight or high-heat spaces.

The choice between shade 10 or shade 11 depends on the welding process and amperage. Generally, shade 10 is suitable for lower-amperage welding (e.g., 100–175 amps), while shade 11 is better for higher-amp operations (175–300 amps). Always refer to OSHA or ANSI Z87.1 recommendations for proper lens selection based on your task.

OSHA requires employers to provide PPE for welding that protects against sparks, spatter, and arc radiation (29 CFR 1910.252). This includes welding helmets or goggles with appropriate shade lenses, flame-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and sometimes respirators depending on the material being welded. All equipment must meet ANSI Z87.1 and Z49.1 standards where applicable.

OSHA mandates that workers wear safety glasses with side shields when exposed to flying debris, dust, sparks, or chemical splashes (29 CFR 1910.133). All safety eyewear must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards, ensuring impact resistance and appropriate lens protection for the task at hand. For welding, this may include shaded lenses and additional face protection.

No, regular prescription glasses do not meet OSHA or ANSI Z87.1 safety standards. If vision correction is needed on the jobsite, use safety-rated prescription eyewear or wear over-the-glasses (OTG) safety goggles. These options provide the impact protection and side coverage required for compliance and safety.