A shipyard-related inquiry asked OSHA whether sunlight constitutes "potentially injurious light radiation" that would require eye protection under 29 CFR 1915.153(a)(1). OSHA answered in the negative: the term refers specifically to intense radiant energy or radiation, such as the radiation produced by electric arc welding and gas torch cutting operations.
For actual welding and cutting work, employees must receive appropriate protection through devices like welder's hoods, helmets, goggles, and safety spectacles fitted with shaded lenses that filter injurious radiant energy, in accordance with Table I-1 and 29 CFR 1915.153(a)(4). The consensus standards incorporated by 29 CFR 1915.153(b) require this protective eyewear to shield against UV radiation.
OSHA noted a practical nuance: while welding eyewear may incidentally protect against sunlight, those devices serve work-specific purposes rather than general sun protection. Conversely, ordinary sunglasses lack the radiation protection level required for welding operations, though sunglasses used for sun exposure on job sites should block appropriate UV percentages.