1. SCOPE …………………………………………………………………………….2. GENERAL 3. CONTACT LENSES 4. STYLES AND FUNCTIONS OF PROTECTORS ……………………4.1 Face shields (Figure 1J) 4.2 Goggles, welding (Figures 1G, 1H, and 1I) 4.3 Goggles, flexible fitting (Figure 1B) …………………………………4.4 Goggles, plastic eyeshield (Figures 1A and 1C) 4.5 Spectacles, metal or plastic frame (Figures 1D, 1E, and 1F)
4.6 Goggles—visitors …………………………………………………………4.7 Welding helmets and handshields (Figure 1K) 5. LENSES 5.1 Basic types …………………………………………………………………..5.2 General requirements 6. MATERIALS AND METHODS OF TEST OF PROTECTORS 7. MAINTENANCE OF PROTECTORS ……………………………………8. SELECTION AND PROCUREMENT
FIGURE
1 Eye and Face Protectors
TABLE
I
Filter Lens Shade Numbers Recomended for Protection
Against Radiant Energy……………………………………………………….
1. Scope
1.1 This standard describes the recommended basic requirements for eye protection. It describes briefly
the types of equipment available and their application.
1.2 Eye protection equipment referred to includes protection against impact, penetration, molten metal
splashes, chemical splashes, dusts, glare, and injurious light radiation (infrared and ultraviolet). It does not
include the special protection required to prevent damage from x-rays, gamma rays, and high energy
particulate radiations such as alpha, beta, or neutron.
2. General
2.1 Suitable eye protection shall be provided for all employees and
visitors where operations present the
hazard of flying objects, glare, liquids, injurious light radiation, dust, or molten metal splashes
(OSHA 1910.102).
2.2 General or minimum protection should be required on an exposure area or building basis as well as on
a job or craft basis. Special protection for hazardous work shall be worn in addition to, or in lieu of,
required general area eye protection.
2.3 Design, construction, testing and use of devices for eye and face protection, shall be in accordance
with ANSI Z87.1- ‘Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection’ (OSHA 1910.134).
2.3.1 Several manufacturers are producing protective eyewear (spectacles) which deviate from design
requirements (frame and lens mounting) in ANSI Z87.1. These types of eyewear may be used by
employees and visitors provided written certification is obtained from the manufacturer that the eyewear
meets all performance
criteria of ANSI Z87.1. An example of such eyewear is the Norton 180 spectacle.
2.4 All employees whose job requires the use of industrial eye protection shall be trained in the proper use
of the eyewash facilities provided at the site.
3. Contact lenses
3.1 Clinical studies and actual experience indicate that contact lenses can be worn safely in most work
environments provided appropriate, approved eye protection as described in 2.3 is worn where eye
protection would be required as a part of the employee’s job assignment.
Portions appearing in boldface italics are from OSHA regulation, Sections 1910.102 and 1910.133.
Consensus standards referenced in OSHA regulations by issue date may not be the latest edition.
However, it is Company practice to use for reference the current edition of consensus standards.
3.2 Based upon analysis of the potential eye hazards in the workplace and local experience, sites may
restrict the wearing of contact lenses in certain locations which shall be appropriately identified. Contact
lenses may present potential problems to the wearer under certain conditions, such as:
a. Extremely dusty environments where particles may get under the lens
and cause irritation.
b. Extremely hot and/or dry environments, such as around furnaces or infrared heaters where the
eye may be exposed directly to the radiated energy.
3.3 Each site shall develop a contact lens policy which includes the following minimum requirements.
3.3.1 Identifies all contact lens wearers on the site.
3.3.2 Requires all employees to notify the site medical staff and their immediate supervision of contact
lens use.
3.3.3 Provides for quick identification of contact lens wearers for emergency treatment by such means as
color coding medical files and/or a special mark on safety glasses, or other easily recognizable method.
3.3.4 Suggest that all contact lens wearers have a back-up pair of eyeglasses (prescription industrial
safety glasses where required) and lens solutions available to them at the workplace.
3.3.5 Reviews the signs and symptoms of eye irritation with the contact lens wearers and periodically
monitors their visual status.
3.4 Each site shall ensure that the medical staff and first aid personnel are trained in procedures for eye
injuries in contact lens wearers which includes providing and instructing in the use of suction-type contact
lens removers.
4. Styles and Functions of Protectors
4.1 Face shields (Figure 1J)
4.1.1 Devices listed under this heading are designed to provide protection for the face and neck from flying
particles and sprays of hazardous liquids.
4.1.2 Many styles and shapes are available, and selection must be made on the basis of protection
needed.
4.1.3 The window, or transparent section, shall be made of suitable plastic (see 5.2). It may be supported in
a frame hood, as an addition to headgear, or any manner suitable for the purpose.
4.1.4 Face shields shall be worn over suitable safety spectacles. Splash goggles are recommended under
face shields when protection from hazardous liquid splashes is required.
4.2 Goggles, welding (Figures 1G, 1H, and 1I)
4.2.1 These are available in two basic types, one designed for individuals who do not wear corrective
spectacles, and the cover type designed to fit over corrective spectacles.
4.2.2 These goggles are available for brazing, gas welding and cutting, and arc welding. Models with
indirect ventilation are available to minimize fogging, yet exclude particles and liquids. For brazing, gas
welding and cutting, filter lenses shall be used. See Table
I
for minimum lens shade recommendations.
Shades more dense may be used as desired.
4.3 Goggles, flexible fitting (Figure 1B)
4.3.1 These splash goggles are intended primarily for protection against dust, fumes, liquids, mists, and
spray. The frames may be rubber or other suitable elastomer or flexible plastic. The more desirable have a
soft flexible frame which molds itself well to the contour of the face. Indirect ventilation is provided,
protecting against direct splash. Goggles shall not be attached to the hard hat when in position over the
eyes.
4.3.2 Lenses are replaceable and may be either hardened glass or a suitable plastic. This type goggle
gives better protection than side shield spectacles and is suitable for high hazard areas.
4.3.3 Where required, the design shall be such that the goggles will fit over spectacles worn by the wearer.
4.4 Goggles, plastic eyeshield (Figures 1A and 1C)
4.4.1 This is a lightweight goggle, usually all plastic, with integral or removable face piece, designed to
protect the eyes and the immediate facial area against flying objects.
4.4.2 Models are available to fit over ordinary spectacles making this item a popular one for general
coverage only where hazards are light.
4.4.3 Where required, the design shall be such that the goggle will fit over spectacles worn by the wearer.
Goggles shall not be attached to the hard hat when in position over the eyes.
4.5 Spectacles, metal or plastic frame (Figures 1D, 1E, and 1F)
4.5.1 Spectacles without sideshields are designed for frontal eye protection only against light flying objects.
Because of the large unprotected opening at the sides and above, they should be used only in areas of
light hazards. They are obtainable with hardened glass or plastic lenses of standard 3 mm thickness.
4.5.2 Safety spectacles with proper side shields, if correctly fitted to the face, provide eye protection
against flying objects from all angles and some protection against harmful liquids. Care should be taken in
selecting the type of side shields used. Cup-type side shields which are permanently mounted on the lens frame (not to the temples) (Figure 1E) give the greatest protection. Although self-locking slides on side
shields are acceptable, they shall be firmly secured to protect against accidental removal and be in
accordance with ANSI Z87.1.
4.5.3 Side shield spectacles, or equivalent, should be the minimum required for mechanical work. At
several plant locations, safety spectacles with side shields permanently attached to the lens frame are the
minimum required for mechanical work areas, and in general chemical operating areas and laboratories.
4.6 Goggles—visitors
4.6.1 These are lightweight protectors with the lens and frame molded as one piece. Temples are provided
for support. They may be worn over prescription glasses.
4.6.2 Visitor’s goggles provide minimal protection and should be used only for casual exposure to visitors
in low hazard areas.
4.6.3 Clip-on type spectacles designed for use on nonsafety spectacles are not recommended under any
circumstances.
4.7 Welding helmets and handshields (Figure 1K)
4.7.1 These devices are designed to provide protection for the eyes, face, ears, and neck against intense
radiant energy. Typical operations requiring helmets or handshields include various kinds of arc welding
and heavy gas cutting.
4.7.2 The helmet and handshield are bowl-shaped devices containing a window with filter plate, which
allows the wearer to see the radiant object, yet prevents harmful intensities of radiation from reaching his
eyes.
4.7.2.1 See Table
I
for minimum recommended filter lens or plate shade numbers to be used in welding,
brazing, and cutting operations. However, low amperage electric arc welding operations may require filter
plate shades less than Shade No. 10 in order for the older welder to view the work more acutely.
4.7.2.2 The window with filter plate does not afford adequate protection from broken glass upon impact.
Therefore, safety spectacles shall be worn under welding hood; or plastic cover plates on both sides of
filter plate shall be used.
4.7.3 The helmet or handshield body shall be made of vulcanized fiber, reinforced plastic, or other suitable
material which shall be heat and flame resistant, opaque to visible, ultraviolet, and infrared radiations and
capable of disinfection.
5. Lenses
5.1 Basic types
5.1.1 Clear lenses. Impact resisting providing protection against flying objects.
5.1.2 Filter lenses. Impact resisting and providing protection against glare, injurious light radiation, or both.
5.1.3 Protective-corrective lenses. Either clear or filter, as specified, for persons having defective vision.
5.1.4 Filter plates (used in welding helmets and handshields). Impact resisting and providing protection
against injurious light radiation.
5.2 General requirements
5.2.1 Lens thickness. Glass or plastic lenses for use in eye-cup goggles or metal or plastic-frame
spectacles shall be not less than 3.0 mm in thickness. Plastic lenses for flexible fitting goggles,
plastic-eyeshield goggles, and plastic-eyeshield spectacles shall be not less than 0.050 inch (1.27 mm) in
thickness. Plastic for face shields shall be not less than 0.040 inch (OSHA 1910.133 and 1926.102).
5.2.2 Optical quality. All lenses shall meet the minimum requirements of ANSI Z87.1 for optical quality,
prismatic and refractive power and light transmittance.
5.2.2.1 Variable-Tint Plano (noncorrective) and corrective-protective (prescription) phototropic
(photochromic) lenses are not allowed for indoor application and are allowable only for outdoor tasks which
do not involve hazardous ultraviolet or infrared radiation or both, providing the lens requirements of ANSI
Z87.1 are met with respect to refractive power, prismatic power, definition, thickness, and impact. All
phototropic lenses shall be distinctly and permanently marked with the symbol “V” as well as
manufacturer’s monogram.
5.2.3 Materials. Industrial safety glass lenses are made from either (1) plastic or (2) glass which is either
heat-treated or chemically treated. A recommended material for spectacle lenses is polycarbonate plastic
with a scratch-resistant coating and UV inhibitor.
5.2.3.1 Polycarbonate is recommended
over glass for the following reasons:
a. Polycarbonate has a higher impact resistance than glass.
b. The impact resistance of polycarbonate is not significantly affected by surface scratches or pit
marks. Scratches or pitted heat-tempered glass safety lenses on the other hand have severely
impaired impact resistance and should be removed from service immediately.
c. Polycarbonate offers reduced weight, lower cost, and ease of lens insertion into frames.
5.2.3.2 Use of glass—special cases.It may not be possible to obtain corrective polycarbonate lenses for all
prescriptions. In these rare cases, where glass is the only suitable alternative, the employee’s job should
be closely examined. Where exposure to impact hazards is present, such as mechanical work,
consideration should be given to providing additional protective equipment (i.e., goggles).
5.2.3.3 Suitable plastic for flexible lens and shields is cellulose acetate (i.e., goggles and face shields).
5.2.4 Filter lenses. The requirements for light transmittance shall be in accordance with ANSI Z87.1 in
addition to the tests for clear lenses listed in 6.2.1.
5.2.5 Filter plates shall not be less than 2.0 mm nor more than 3.8 mm thick and shall conform to other
requirements of ANSI Z87.1. When available, filter plates of hardened glass should be specified
(OSHA 1926.102).
5.2.5.1 Filter plates with a gold layer on the outside afford excellent visibility in addition to reflecting heat
from the welder.
5.2.6 Ultraviolet transmission. In the ultraviolet region, a typical glass lens transmits less than 1.0% for
wavelengths shorter than 300 nm (nanometer), while a polycarbonate lens has transmittance 1.0% at a
wavelength of 380 nm. Since short-term eye problems from ultraviolet radiation [welders (see Table
I
)
“arc-eye”] are known to be caused primarily by ultraviolet in the region from 200 to 315 nm to a maximum of
20% transmission, a clear glass lens offers a worthwhile degree of protection from stray ultraviolet as
compared to wearing no glasses. Polycarbonate lenses do a good job on absorbing the 200 to 315 nm
region.
5.2.7 Stress cracking of lenses. All plastic lenses regardless of material are subject to stress cracking. This
stress cracking is a function of a large number of variables; time of wear, temperature of the workplace,
type and concentration of chemical vapor or vapors, cleaning methods used on the lenses, stress in the
lens from mounting in a frame or from molding during manufacture. When cracking does occur, it usually
starts as small cracks working in from the edge of the lens or as readily visible cracks in the central area of
the lens starting at the outer or convex surface. These cracks are visible to the user.
Scratched,
pitted,
chipped, or cracked lenses lose impact resistance and must be replaced.
A particular lens material should
be evaluated for susceptibility to stress cracking in specific chemical environments.
5.2.8 All prescription lenses
are required to be ‘Safety’ by the FDA.This merely means heat-treated lens
and does not meet the ANSI Z87.1 requirements for industrial safety eyewear.
6. Materials and Methods of Test of Protectors
6.1 The materials used shall combine a high degree of mechanical strength with minimum weight. They
shall be nonirritating to the skin, corrosion resistant, noncombustible or slow burning if made of plastic, and
capable of withstanding sterilization. No nitrated stock shall be used.
6.2 Some of the more important tests which eye and face protective devices must be capable of
withstanding are listed below. It is the vendor’s
responsibility to see that his products meet all applicable
requirements.
6.2.1 Lenses (includes plastic shields).
a. Impact—ball drop
b. Heat and cold resistance
c. Penetration (plastic only) needle drop
d. Optical quality Polariscope (strain pattern)
e. Flammability
6.2.2 Frames (includes headgear for shields and helmets)
a. Stability
b. Flammability
c. Heat and cold resistance
d. Comfort
e. Heat conductivity
7. Maintenance of Protectors
7.1 Protectors shall be kept clean and in good repair (OSHA 1910.133 and 1926.102).
Suitable cleaning
dispenser stations should be located throughout the plant. Cleaning liquids and treated tissue containing
antifogging chemicals are available. Plastic lenses should be cleaned only with mild detergent and water.
7.1.1 Plastic lenses should be provided with a scratch-resistant coating.
7.2 A centrally located fitting and repair shop should be maintained on large plants. Small plants may find
it more convenient to obtain the services of an outside optician to fit spectacles, especially the
corrective-protective type.
7.3 Thin treated glass and plastic sheets are available at low cost for use over regular protective lenses
and filter plates used in welding, cutting, and molten-metal operations. They will protect the more
expensive lenses from molten-metal damage.
8. Selection and Procurement
8.1 Eye-protective devices should be of good quality and no attempt should be made to make
questionable savings by purchasing items of unknown quality.
8.2 Purchases should be made only from reputable suppliers whose products meets the requirements of
ANSI Z87.1.
8.3 All reputable manufacturers have detailed selection charts for their products, and can furnish
assistance in the proper selection of models.
8.4 Each faceshield, each lens, and each supporting frame shall be distinctively marked in a manner by
which the manufacturer may be identified. In addition, all major components of eye and face protectors
shall bear a legible and permanent ‘Z87’ logo to indicate compliance with ANSI Z87.1 excepting lenses
and plates which shall be marked as specified in ANSI Z87.1. Each filter lens shall be marked with shade
number.
Table I – Filter Lens Shade Numbers Recommended for Protection Against Radiant Energy
FIGURE 1 – Eye and Face Protectors
A GOGGLES, flexible fitting, perforated
ventilation, for flying objects only
B GOGGLES, flexible fitting, hooded
ventilation, for splash protection
C GOGGLES, cushioned fitting, for flying
objects
G WELDING GOGGLES, eyecup type,
tinted lenses
H WELDING GOGGLES, coverspec
type, tinted lenses
I WELDING GOGGLES, coverspec
type, tinted plate lens
D SPECTACLES, without sideshields J FACE SHIELD, plastic or mesh window
E SPECTACLES, cup-type sideshields K WELDING HELMET
F SPECTACLES, semi-/flat fold shields