Section 296-307-50003 - Specifications for eye protection(1) Helmets and hand shields must be made of a material that is an insulator for heat and electricity. Helmets, shields and goggles must be not readily flammable and must be able to be sterilized.(2) Helmets and hand shields must be arranged to protect the face, neck and ears from direct radiant energy from the arc.(3) Helmets must have filter plates and cover plates designed for easy removal.(4) All parts must be constructed of a material that will not readily corrode or discolor the skin.(5) Goggles must be ventilated to prevent fogging of the lenses as much as practical.(6) Cover lenses or plates should be provided to protect each helmet, hand shield, or goggle filter lens or plate.(7) All glass for lenses must be tempered, substantially free from scratches, air bubbles, waves and other flaws. Except when a lens is ground to provide proper optical correction for defective vision, the front and rear surfaces of lenses and windows must be smooth and parallel.(8) Lenses must be marked with the source and shade.(9) Following is a guide to select proper shade numbers. Individual needs may vary. | Welding Operation | Shade No. |
| Shielded metal-arc welding-1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch electrodes | 10 |
| Gas-shielded arc welding (nonferrous)-1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch electrodes | 11 |
| Gas-shielded arc welding (ferrous)-1/16-, 3/32-,1/8-, 5/32-inch electrodes | 12 |
| Shielded metal-arc welding: | |
| 3/16-, 7/32-, 1/4-inch electrodes | 12 |
| 5/16-, 3/8-inch electrodes | 14 |
| Atomic hydrogen welding | 10-14 |
| Carbon arc welding | 14 |
| Soldering | 2 |
| Torch brazing | 3 or 4 |
| Light cutting, up to 1 inch | 3 or 4 |
| Medium cutting, 1 inch to 6 inches | 4 or 5 |
| Heavy cutting, 6 inches and over | 5 or 6 |
| Gas welding (light) up to 1/8 inch | 4 or 5 |
| Gas welding (medium) 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch | 5 or 6 |
| Gas welding (heavy) 1/2 inch and over | 6 or 8 |
Note: | In gas welding or oxygen cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light it is desirable to use a filter or lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the operation. |
(10) All filter lenses and plates must meet the test for transmission of radiant energy prescribed in ANSI Z 87.1-1968-American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection.(11) Where the work permits, an arc welder should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a finish of low-reflectivity such as zinc oxide (an important factor for absorbing ultraviolet radiations) and lamp black, or must be enclosed with noncombustible screens similarly painted. Booths and screens must permit circulation of air at floor level. Employees or other persons adjacent to the welding areas must be protected from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields or must be required to wear appropriate goggles.Wash. Admin. Code § 296-307-50003
Amended by WSR 20-21-091, Filed 10/20/2020, effective 11/20/202097-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-50003, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040,[49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. 96-22-048, § 296-306A-50003, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.