Does OSHA require that safety glasses worn indoors be clear or can they be colored or slightly tinted?

OSHA does not specify whether tinted lenses should be used in certain situations. Tinted lenses can be beneficial for workers in and around areas where welding, cutting, spot welding, or laser use are going on. OSHA has in the past allowed the use of tinted safety glasses, with certain provisos. In a letter of interpretation dated 08/07/1984, OSHA in responding to a question on tinted safety glasses says that:

“The National Office concurs with us in that rose tint lenses in safety glasses are allowed if they meet the ANSI Standard, Z87.1-1968’s requirements.

Section 6.3.1(2)(a) of this Standard specifies absorptive lenses (shades 1.7 through 3.0) being “impact-resisting providing protection against flying objects and glare” as one of the four basic types of “lenses intended for use in protectors covered by this code.

The absorptive lenses shall meet, also, the radiant-energy-transmittance requirements specified on Section 6.3.3.3.1 of this ANSI standard.”

Additionally, ANSI cautions against using photochromic “self-darkening” lenses for forklift drivers who must go from darker areas to lighter and back again. And also that “lenses having low luminous transmittance should not be worn indoors.”

This is an excerpt from a letter of interpretation from OSHA, dated November 19, 1982.

“OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(6) prohibits the use of photo-grey lenses for at inside work locations which have variable lighting conditions, because the variable tint lenses would cause temporary vision impairment when the light changes from bright to dim or vice versa in the work area. However, they are allowed inside when the lighting conditions do not change substantially and the employees constantly stay in the area, particularly if glare or bright lights are a problem. They may also be used by employees working outdoors, provided there is no ultraviolet or infrared hazard.

Obviously this becomes complicated for an employer to monitor, particularly if employees go in and out of a building. Thus, some employers will prohibit their employees from using photo-grey glasses rather than monitor the use of this equipment under all conditions. This would be their prerogative in order to remain in compliance.

In view of the above, whether an employer is in compliance normally would be determined by the compliance officer when an inspection is conducted.”

Please note that since this letter has been published that 1910.133(a)(6) has been removed from the 29 CFR.