Guide to Choosing Protective Eyewear

According to Prevent Blindness America, 1,000 eye injuries occur each day. Of these, 16% take place at the worksite. In order to prevent these accidents, it is important for workers to have protective eye equipment that is suitable for their work conditions. Check out PE Facts to learn what type of protective eyewear is the best for you!

The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970 by a bipartisan Congress and signed by President Nixon, stating that this bill was passed "...to ensure so far as possible, every working man and woman in the nation, safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources." It has since helped shape the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry.

Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists general requirements for PPE under Code 29 of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.132.

Application

Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head and extremities, respiratory devices, protective clothing, and protective shields and barriers must be provided, utilized and maintained in a reliable and sanitary condition wherever it is needed due to hazardous processes or environment, radiological hazards, chemical hazards or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through inhalation, absorption or physical contact.

Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.

(Eye and face protection requirements are outlined in 29 CFR 1910.133.)

General Requirements

  1. The employer must guarantee that each affected employee uses proper eye or face protection when exposed to flying particles, liquid chemicals, molten metal, caustic gases, vapors, acids, potentially harmful light radiation, or any other hazards to the eyes or face.
  2. The employer must make sure that each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection if there is a danger from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) that meet the requirements of this section are acceptable.
  3. The employer must guarantee that each employee who wears prescription lenses and engages in operations that present eye hazards wears protective eye equipment that includes the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can fit over the prescription lenses without disturbing the appropriate position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.
  4. All eye and face personal protective equipment must be specifically marked to identify the manufacturer.
  5. The employer must ensure that each affected employee uses equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number suitable to protect from injurious light radiation from the work being performed.

Criteria for Protective Eye & Face Devices

  1. After July 5, 1994, any protective eye and face equipment purchased must comply with ANSI Z87.1., American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, or the employer must prove it to be equally effective.
  2. Any eye and face protective equipment that was purchased before July 5, 1994 must comply with the ANSI Z87.1, USA Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, or must be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.

Currently, ANSI Z87.1 is incorporated by reference in 29 CFR 1910.133. As such, it carries the force of the law. If OSHA adopts ANSI Z87.1-2003, the change will be noted in the Federal Register

Size and Style

Protective eyewear comes in a variety of sizes and may be either single or double lens. How the eyewear fits is essential. The closer the eyewear fits to the person's face, the less chance of an object getting in around the edge of the eyewear and injuring the eye. A good fit is also important because if the eyewear is uncomfortable, workers will be less likely to wear it.

Frame and Lens Markings

Eye and face protection, such as glasses, goggles and face shields, that comply with ANSI Z87.1 must be marked as illustrated to the right. Safety eyewear can be purchased in a wide variety of styles and colors to fit almost anyone's taste. Allowing workers to choose eyewear that they like will increase the probability of them wearing it. And if your workers wear their eye protection on a regular basis, they'll be less likely to suffer an eye injury!

Choosing Goggles

Goggles are the best way to protect the eyes because they form a complete seal around the eye area. This seal provides full coverage that prevents any dangerous objects, tiny dust particles, vapors, or chemical splashes from getting in the eyes.

There are two main types of goggles to choose from:

Vented
Goggles that have direct vents only provide impact protection. They fit closely around the eye area to prevent dangerous objects from hitting your eyes. These goggles are typically the most comfortable because they allow air flow which reduces fogging.

Goggles with indirect vents have vents that are "capped" to allow air flow in and out while also protecting against splashes or flying particles. They provide impact protection equivalent to the direct vented goggles. Since there isn't as much of an opening for the air to flow in and out, lens fogging may be a slight problem and you may want to use an anti-fog lens coating.

Non-Vented
Non-vented goggles are exactly that--lenses and frames that have no air holes. They provide a higher level of protection against vapors and fumes and are effective in keeping these harmful vapors out of sensitive eyes. These goggles must have an anti-fog coating to keep them from steaming up while you work.

Definitions

Face Shield—A protective apparatus worn to shield the wearer's face from certain hazards. Face shields are only supplementary protectors and must be worn in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles, as stated in ANSI Z87.1-1989.

Goggle—A wraparound, protective device that fits the face snugly, completely surrounding the eyes in order to shield them from impact, splash and vapor hazards. There are non-vented, direct vents or indirect vents available.

Impact Resistance—The capability of safety eyewear to endure impact when tested according to ANSI standards. Eyewear in compliance will be marked as approved.

Infrared Radiation—Electromagnetic energy with wavelengths 780 to 2000nm.

Lens Impact Resistance—A lens able to withstand the appropriate ANSI Z87.1 impact tests.

Luminous Transmittance—The fraction of light (380–780nm) which passes through a medium.

Nanometer (nm)—One billionth of a meter.

Optical Radiation—The section of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths between 200 and 2000nm.

Sideshield—A piece of safety glasses, typically attached to the spectacles, that protects the side of the eye.

Spectacle—A protective device that shields the wearer's eyes from various hazards, depending on the type.

Ultraviolet Radiation—Electromagnetic energy with wavelengths from 200–380nm.

Welding Helmet—A protective piece of equipment designed to shield the eyes and face from optical radiation and impact. Welding helmets are supplementary protectors and should only be used with primary protectors.

Q. If I already wear prescription eyewear, what are my options if I need safety glasses for work?
A. Most optometrists offer a selection of prescription lenses and frames that meet ANSI Z87.1. If cost is an issue and you don't want to purchase new glasses, you can buy a less expensive pair of safety glasses or goggles that fit over your current prescription glasses.
Q. What should the lenses of my protective eyewear be made of?
A. A majority of protective lenses are made from polycarbonate. This lightweight plastic is highly impact-resistant, is available in welding shades, and absorbs 99% of UV rays. Glass lenses are also available. Glass offers a higher resistance to chemicals and solvents used for cleaning, so it may be a better choice in situations where frequent cleaning is necessary, such as paint spray booths. CAUTION: Although glass lenses may comply with ANSI Z87.1 requirements, they offer much less impact resistance than polycarbonate lenses.

Sources for More Information

29 CFR 1910.132, General Requirements.

29 CFR 1910.133, Eye and Face Protection.

ANSI Z87.1-2003, American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices

Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.