Selection & Fitting | Eye and Face Protection

Each eye, face, or face-and-eye protector is designed for a particular hazard. In selecting the protector, Revision 6/08 consider the kind and degree of hazard. Where there is a choice of protectors and the degree of protection required is not an important issue, worker comfort may be a deciding factor. The BLS survey showed that few Revision 6/08workers ever complained about poor vision or discomfort with personal eye equipment.

Persons using corrective spectacles and those who are required by OSHA to wear eye protection must wear face shields, goggles, or spectacles of one of the following types:

• Spectacles with protective lenses providing optical correction;
• Goggles worn over corrective spectacles without disturbing the adjustment of the spectacles; or
• Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses.

When limitations or precautions are indicated by the manufacturer, they should be transmitted to the user and strictly observed.

Over the years many types and styles of eye and face-and-eye protective equipment have been developed to meet the demands for protection against a variety of hazards.

Revision 6/08 Goggles come in a number of different styles:

• Revision 6/08 Eyecups,
• Revision 6/08 Flexible or cushioned goggles,
• Revision 6/08 Plastic eyeshield goggles, and
• Revision 6/08 Foundrymen’s goggles.

Revision 6/08 Goggles are manufactured in several styles for specific uses such as protecting against dust and splash, and in chipper’s, welder’s, and cutter’s models.

Revision 6/08 Safety spectacles require special frames. Combinations of normal streetwear frames with safety lenses do not provide adequate protection and are not in compliance.

Many hard hats and nonrigid helmets are designed with face and eye protective equipment.

Design, construction, testing, and use of eye and face protection must be in accordance with ANSI Z87.1-1968 if the equipment was purchased before July 5, 1994 and in accordance with ANSI Z87.1-1989 if the devices were purchased after July 5, 1994.

Fitting

Fitting of goggles and safety spectacles should be done by someone skilled in the procedure. Prescription safety spectacles should be fitted only by qualified optical personnel.