Eye and Face Protection

Appropriate eye or face protection is required whenever there is exposure to eye or face hazards such as Flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids/caustic liquids, gases or vapors, or potentially hazardous light radiation. The minimum acceptable eye protection requires the use of hardened glass or plastic spectacles that meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard as specified by OSHA. Other eye protection, such as goggles and face shields may be required when significant splash hazards exist.

Selection

Concerned departments should conduct or contact EH&S to conduct a hazard assessment for proper selection of eye and face protection. Safety glasses that do not meet the ANSI/ISEA standard will not be approved for use.

Prescription Glasses

Employees that wear prescription will be provided eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design or made to use protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription or protective lenses. Procedures for the acquisition, use, replacement and return of prescription safety glasses shall be according to University’s Eye and Face Protection PRR.

Use of Eye Protection

When issued, safety glasses must be worn in hazard areas at all times, except in approved areas where eye and face hazards do not exist. An approved face shield is required in addition to safety glasses or goggles, where potential hazards exist that can affect other facial area not protected by safety glasses or goggles. At no time must face shields be used alone for protection. Whenever compressed gas, welding, oxy-cutting, electric arc welding, and other related activities are carried out, proper welding goggles, welding face shield with safety glasses or welding hood are required. Selected lenses must comply with OSHA filter lenses for protection against radiant energy while welding. Affected departments should contact EH&S for selection and guidance in the use of such protection.

Maintenance

Eye and face protection equipment should be properly cleaned, maintained and stored after use. They should not be exposed to harsh conditions such as extreme temperature, corrosive or other dangerous chemicals, dusty environments or left in protective clothing.

For more information on eye protection, please review other resources using the links provided.