Lenses: CSA-certified eye and face protectors must meet the criteria for impact resistance as outlined in the standard. Only devices made of approved materials are permitted.
Markings: The manufacturer or supplier certification mark must be present on all approved safety lenses, frames (front and temple), removable side shields, and other parts of the glasses, goggles, or helmets.
Frames: Safety frames are stronger than street-wear frames and are often heat resistant. They are also designed to prevent lenses from being pushed into the eyes.
| Comparison of Lens Materials | |
|---|---|
| Material | Characteristics |
| Hi-Vex |
|
| Polycarbonate |
|
| Plastic (CR39) |
|
| Trivex |
|
| Glass |
|
From: CSA Standard Z94.3.1-16 Guideline for selection, use and care of eye and face protectors, 2016
Eye wear will protect the user if the eye and surrounding soft tissues are fully covered by the protection device. If eye protection is required, establish a complete eye safety protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection.
Eye and face protection devices need maintenance.
Lenses can be clear, tinted, photochromic or polarized. Each type offers various levels of ultraviolet protection, including no protection (even when coloured). Do not be fooled by the colour of the lenses.
Conduct a hazard assessment to identify the hazards that workers may be exposed to, and then select appropriate PPE when engineering controls or other more permanent methods of control are not possible. Consult with the PPE manufacturer about the uses and limitations for each type of eye or face protection.
If you are at risk for eye or face injury at work, you should wear appropriate protection.
To select the proper protectors follow the recommendations in the table below.
Note: This table cannot cover all possible hazards and combinations that may occur. Examine each situation carefully and select the appropriate protector or combination of protectors.
| Nature of hazard | Hazardous Activities involving but not limited to | Recommended protectors |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Objects | Chipping, scaling, stonework, drilling, grinding, buffing, polishing, hammer mills, crushing, heavy sawing, planing, wire and strip handling, hammering, unpacking, nailing, punch press, lathework | Class 1A - Spectacles Class 2A, 2B - Goggles Class 5A, 5B - Hoods Class 6A, 6D - Face shields |
| Flying particles, dust, wind, etc. | Woodworking, sanding, light metal working and machining, exposure to dust and wind, resistance welding (no radiation exposure), sand, cement, aggregate handling, painting, concrete work, plastering, material batching and mixing | Class 1A - Spectacles Class 2A, 2B - Goggles Class 5A, 5B - Hoods Class 6A, 6D - Face shields |
| Heat, sparks, and splash from molten materials | Babbiting, casting, pouring, molten metal, brazing, soldering, spot welding, stud welding, hot dipping operations | Class 1B - Spectacles Class 2C - Goggles Class 5C, 5D - Hoods Class 6B, 6C, 6D - Face Shields |
| Acid splash, chemical burns | Acid and alkali handling, degreasing, pickling and plating operations, glass breakage, chemical spray, liquid bitumen handling | Class 2B - Goggles Class 5B - Hoods Class 6A - Face Shields |
| Abrasive blasting materials | Sand blasting, shot blasting, shotcreting | Class 2B - Goggles Class 5B - Non-Rigid Hoods Class 6A - Face Shields |
| Glare, stray light (where slight reduction of visible radiation is required) | Reflection, bright sun and lights, reflected welding flash, photographic copying | Class 1A - Spectacles Class 2A, 2B - Goggles Class 5A, 5B - Hoods Class 6A - Face Shields |
| Injurious optical radiation (where moderate reduction of optical radiation is required) | Torch cutting, welding, brazing, furnace work, metal pouring, spot welding, photographic copying | Class 1B - Spectacles Class 2C - Goggles Class 5C - Hoods Class 6B - Face Shields |
| Injurious optical radiation (where large reduction of optical radiation is required) | Babbiting, casting, pouring, molten metal; brazing, soldering, spot welding, stud welding, hot-dipping operations | Class 3 - Helmet Class 4 - Handshield |
| Laser radiation | Laser cutting, laser surgery, laser etching | Class 2D - Goggles |
| Electric arc flash | Electrical installation, electrical maintenance, troubleshooting of electrical systems, disconnecting live electrical systems | Class 2E - Goggles Class 5E - Hoods Class 6D - Face shields |
From: CSA Standard Z94.3.1-16 Guideline for selection, use and care of eye and face protectors, 2016
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Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.
