Welding Filter Shade Chart (OSHA)

What it is

Arc welding, cutting, brazing and gas welding emit ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation that can injure the eyes. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5) requires filter lenses with a shade number appropriate to the work and contains a table of minimum protective shades by operation, electrode size and arc current. Filter lenses and auto-darkening filters are marked under ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 with "W" and the shade number (or shade range for auto-darkening filters). Construction work is covered by 29 CFR 1926.102, which has its own table.

How to identify

• Passive filter plates and helmets: "W" followed by a shade number on the lens or plate, plus the manufacturer's mark.
• Auto-darkening filters: light-state and dark-state shade range (e.g. "W3/9-13") marked on the cartridge.
• Higher shade number = darker filter.

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) — from the OSHA table in 1910.133(a)(5)

Other operations listed in the same OSHA table include torch soldering (shade 2), torch brazing (shade 3) and carbon arc welding (shade 14). For GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, air carbon arc cutting, plasma arc welding and cutting, gas welding and oxygen cutting, read the current values directly from the table in 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5) before posting them. This sheet intentionally leaves them blank.

Key points

• The table gives minimums. OSHA's guidance is to start with a shade too dark to see the weld zone and go lighter until the zone is visible, without going below the minimum.
• Values assume the arc is in clear view; helpers and nearby workers also need protection (screens and curtains per ANSI Z49.1).
• Auto-darkening helmets must be set to the correct dark shade for the current used, and their batteries and sensors checked.
• Filter lenses are worn with safety glasses or goggles underneath; flip-up helmets leave the eyes exposed when raised.
• Gas welding and cutting goggles are not adequate for arc welding.

Common mistakes

• Using a single shade (e.g. 10) for every process and amperage.
• Treating tinted safety glasses as welding filters.
• Posting a shade chart copied from a catalog without checking the regulation.

Governing standards: 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5); 29 CFR 1926.102 (construction); ANSI/ISEA Z87.1; ANSI Z49.1.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.