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Choose The Right Eye Protectors

Eye injuries are painful and can drastically alter the course of one’s life.  According to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA): “A recent survey found that three out of five workers suffering eye injuries wore no eye protection.  Half of those who did use safety eyewear wore the wrong type.”1

We can all protect our eyesight by ensuring the right type of eye protection is used for each job.  There’s a wide variety of eye protection on the market, each with its intended use.  Sometimes, with all the choices available, it’s hard to figure out which products will suit your needs.

Identify Hazards

Proper identification of eye hazards will make your choice of eye protectors simpler.  Common hazards include:

  • Dust and other flying particles
  • Sprays, mists and splashed liquids (irritating or corrosive)
  • Molten metal
  • Radiation (e.g., ultraviolet, visible, infrared, or ionizing radiation)

Refer to Standards

Standards such as ANSI Z87.1 (USA)2 and CSA Z94.3-023 can help you make informed choices.  First, however, you should understand how and when the standards apply.

The Canadian standard, CSA Z94.3-02 (hereafter referred to simply as Z94.3), is entitled Eye and Face Protectors.  It sets out standards for product performance, testing, markings and user information.  Manufacturers seeking certification under this standard must meet all applicable requirements.

Table 1: CSA Classification
Eye & Face Protectors3 

Class 1 – Spectacles
Class 2 – Goggles
Class 3 – Welding Helmets
Class 4 – Welding Hand Shields
Class 5 – Non-rigid Helmets (Hoods)
Class 6 – Face Shields
Class 7 – Respirator Facepieces

As a purchaser or user of protective eyewear, you should be aware of the scope and limitations of Z94.3.  Seven different classes of eye protectors are addressed in the standard (see Table 1 above).  Certain eye hazards are excluded, however: “X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy particulate radiation, radioactive materials, lasers, masers”3.  Furthermore, Z94.3 “does not cover other factors of design such as comfort, service life, or appearance”3.  These, too, could be significant factors in your choice of eye protectors.

Z94.3 includes several tables that are helpful in choosing appropriate eye protection.  For example, Annex A lists 8 “hazard groups”.  Each can be matched with recommended classes of eye protection.  Further assistance is provided in the CSA user guide1.

Check OH&S Legislation

Your choice of protective eyewear should also take applicable regulations into account.  In many jurisdictions, CSA Z94.3 has been adopted in part or in whole.  For example:

  • British Columbia: OHS Regulation references an older version of the standard, CSA Z94.3-92, for prescription safety glasses (s.8.15), as well as face protectors and non-prescription safety eyewear (s. 8.17).4
  • Alberta: OHS Code 2006, Part 18, states that prescription and non-prescription safety eyewear and face protectors must meet Z94.3 requirements.  The current (2002) and other versions of the standard are cited.
  • Saskatchewan: OH&S Regulations 1996 require “approved” eye and face protectors (s.93)6.  “ ‘Approved’ means that the device meets the requirements of the CSA Standard Z94.3-02.”7

Have Your Workforce Participate

Acceptance of the chosen types of eye protection will be a significant factor in the prevention of eye injuries.  Users will be more likely to wear eye protection if they’re involved in the selection process.  Fit, comfort, appearance, durability, functionality and compatibility with other personal protective equipment are factors that users can assess.  Offer several products that meet your company’s standards.  Suppliers will often provide samples for your workforce to evaluate. 

Eye injuries are preventable.  Providing the right type of protective eyewear, training your workers in the benefits and proper use of eye protection, and enforcing your safety policies will contribute to a safer workplace.

References

  1. Protective Eyewear: A User’s Guide, CSA Publication Z94.3.1-02, Canadian Standards Association, 2002.
  2. Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, ANSI Z87.1-2003, American National Standards Institute, 2003.  www.ansi.org
  3. Eye & Face Protectors, CSA Z94.3-02, Canadian Standards Association, 2002. www.csa.ca
  4. Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, enacted under the Workers Compensation Act, British Columbia.
  5. Occupational Health & Safety Code 2006, enacted under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Alberta.
  6. Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2006, enacted under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Saskatchewan.
  7. Eye Injury Prevention, Saskatchewan Labour, Occupational Health & Safety, April 2007, page 5.

This article is provided as introductory information only.  Cited references, and other literature, should be consulted for complete details.  Article Reproduced by Guzzardi & Associates with Permission.  Copyright 2007 Escalade Services Group Inc.

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