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Understanding the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 Standard for Safety Glasses / Eye Protection
The ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard specifies requirements for eye and face protection devices used in various work settings to protect against different types of hazards, including impact, optical radiation, dust, and chemical splash. The standard includes several different types of eye protection devices, including safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and welding helmets.
The Importance of Safety Glasses in the Workplace
Eye injuries are one of the most common types of workplace injuries, and they can be debilitating, permanent, or even fatal. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 2,000 workers in the United States suffer job-related eye injuries that require medical attention every day. Many of these injuries could have been prevented by wearing proper eye protection.
Safety glasses are often tested to quantify their performance in terms of impact resistance, UV protection, and anti–fog properties. Impact resistance measures the ability of safety glasses to protect against physical objects, such as flying debris, while UV protection measures the effectiveness of the glasses to block out ultraviolet radiation. Anti–fog properties measure the ability of the glasses to resist fogging and maintain clear vision.
The Importance of Wearing Safety Glasses
Safety glasses protect workers by providing a barrier to protect the eyes from harmful particles, dust, flying debris, chemicals, and other hazards that can cause injury or blindness. They are designed to be durable, comfortable, and provide excellent visibility without compromising the wearer’s comfort. They act as a physical barrier between the eyes and hazardous particles, protecting the eyes from particles that could cause injury or illness. Safety glasses also protect the eyes from chemicals, blocking out any harmful substances that may be present in the air.
Safety glasses are made with a special coating that is designed to keep out chemicals, dust, and other particles. They also feature a snug fit to ensure that the glasses don’t slip off and expose the eyes to the hazardous materials. In addition, safety glasses can help prevent eye irritation and dryness from wind, dust, and other environmental factors.
The Cost of Not Wearing Safety Glasses
The cost of not wearing safety glasses can be devastating. Eye injuries can cause blindness or impair vision permanently, resulting in lost wages, medical expenses, and reduced quality of life. The cost of workers’ compensation claims, medical treatment, and lost productivity due to eye injuries can be significant for both the worker and the employer.
The Bottom Line
Eye injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate eye protection such as safety glasses. Employers must provide their workers with proper eye protection and ensure that they wear it when required. Employees, on the other hand, should take the responsibility of wearing their safety glasses seriously and take care of them to ensure they provide proper protection.
MCR Safety, a leading manufacture of safety glasses, has a wealth of information on their website about safety glasses. Here is a link to their blog: MCR Safety Glasses Blog
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the organization responsible for setting standards for safety glasses and other types of personal protective equipment. ANSI standards are used to measure the performance of safety glasses and other protective equipment, ensuring that they meet a certain level of quality and safety.
Types of Eye Protection
The ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard establishes three general classes of eye protection devices:
Basic Impact – This class of eye protection is intended for use in low-impact work environments where the hazards are minimal.
High Impact – This class of eye protection is intended for use in medium-impact work environments and provides greater impact resistance than Basic Impact eye protection.
Faceshield – This class of eye protection is intended for use in high-impact work environments or environments where there is a risk of exposure to molten metal or hazardous chemicals.
Each class of eye protection device is tested and rated based on its ability to provide protection against different types of hazards. The standard also requires that all eye protection devices be marked with the manufacturer’s name or trademark, the product model, the lens and frame markings, and the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 marking to ensure proper identification and use.
It is important to choose the appropriate class and type of eye protection for the specific work environment and the hazards present to ensure the safety and protection of the user.
Here is a sample outline of a safety procedure for eye protection:
- Identify tasks that pose eye hazards.
- Select appropriate eye protection based on the hazard assessment.
- Ensure that eye protection fits properly and is comfortable.
- Train employees on the proper use and care of eye protection.
- Inspect eye protection regularly and replace damaged or outdated equipment.
- Encourage employees to report any problems with their eye protection immediately.
- Provide regular reminders and updates on eye safety to all employees.
- Establish an emergency response plan in case of eye injuries or accidents.
Here is an example of an Emergency Response Plan for Eye Injuries or Accidents:
- In case of an eye injury or accident, notify the supervisor or a designated first-aid responder immediately.
- If there is a foreign object in the eye, do not try to remove it as it may cause further damage. Cover the injured eye with a sterile dressing and secure it in place until medical help arrives.
- If a chemical has splashed into the eye, immediately flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes while holding the eyelids open. The injured person should seek medical attention immediately.
- If a person experiences a blow to the eye or head, or if the eye is cut or punctured, apply a cold compress and seek medical attention immediately.
- During transportation of an injured person to the medical facility, keep the injured eye covered with a sterile dressing to prevent further damage.
- All eye injuries and accidents should be reported and documented according to company policies and procedures.
By following these safety guidelines, employers can help to protect their employees from eye injuries resulting from exposure to hazardous working conditions.
In conclusion, it is essential to remember that eye protection is not an optional safety measure in the workplace, but rather a requirement to prevent injury and ensure worker safety. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or any other industry that poses eye hazards, always prioritize wearing proper eye protection to safeguard your vision and your future.
Here are a few manufacture’s of Safety Glasses:
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