If you work in a job that requires the use of impact glasses, you know that OSHA has certain requirements for eye protection. But did you also know that there are certain requirements for the impact glasses themselves? Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to make sure your impact glasses are up to snuff.
What are the OSHA requirements for impact glasses?
To better protect workers in industries such as construction, mining and manufacturing, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its standards for eye and face protection.
The OSHA standards pertaining to impact glasses are:
- General Industry – 29 CFR 1910
- Maritime – 29 CFR 1915, 1917, 1918
- Construction Industry – 29 CFR 1926
New OSHA rules went into effect in January 1995. Under the old rules, employers were only required to provide impact-resistant glasses to workers who were exposed to flying objects or particles. The new rule requires employers to provide impact-resistant glasses to all workers who are exposed to eye or face hazards from flying objects or particles.
In addition, the new rules requires employers to ensure that workers wear impact-resistant glasses when working in areas where there is a potential for eye injuries from flying objects or particles.
What types of impact glasses are available?
There are three types of impact glasses available: full-face shields, goggles, and safety glasses. Full-face shields offer the most protection, covering your entire face and providing a barrier against flying objects. Goggles protect your eyes from dust and debris, and safety glasses provide a clear view while still protecting your eyes from impacts.
There are also two other types of safety eyewear: prescription and non-prescription. Prescription safety eyewear is designed to correct your vision while also protecting your eyes from impact. Non-prescription safety eyewear, also known as “protective eyewear,” does not feature corrective lenses but will still help to protect your eyes from impact.
How do impact glasses work?
When a high-velocity object comes into contact with safety eyewear, the glasses will absorb the majority of the impact and spread the force out over a larger surface area. This diffusion of force helps to protect your eyes from serious injuries. However, it is important that the glasses fit properly. Ill-fitting glasses will not provide adequate protection in the event of an accident.
What are the benefits of wearing impact glasses?
There are many benefits of wearing impact glasses, including:
- Protection from flying debris and other harmful objects.
- Prevention of eye injuries.
- Improved visibility in low-light conditions.
- Reduced glare from the sun and other bright light sources.
Wearing impact glasses is also required by OSHA in many workplaces, so it is important to be aware of the potential hazards in your work environment and to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
How can I find the right impact glasses for me?
There are a few things you need to take into account when purchasing impact glasses. Most importantly, you need to make sure that the glasses you choose will protect your eyes from whatever hazard you’re facing.
The first thing you need to do is identify the hazard. Are you working with chemicals? In that case, you need to find impact glasses that will protect your eyes from chemical splash. Are you working in an environment where there is a lot of flying debris? In that case, you need to find impact glasses that will protect your eyes from being hit by flying objects.
Once you’ve identified the hazard, you need to find impact glasses that are approved for that hazard. Impact glasses are tested for their ability to protect your eyes from different hazards, and they’re given different ratings based on those tests. The rating system is as follows (based on ANSI Z87.1):
- Z87: These impact glasses will protect your eyes from low-mass high-velocity impact hazards, like flying debris.
- Z87+: These impact glasses will protect your eyes from high-mass high-velocity impact hazards, like hammering or chiseling.
- Z87++: These are the highest rated impact glasses. They will protect your eyes from very high velocity impacts, like ricocheting bullets or explosions.
Once you’ve identified the right type of impact glasses for your needs, make sure to try them on before you purchase them. Impact glasses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it’s important to find a pair that fits well and is comfortable to wear.
How do I care for my impact glasses?
It’s important to keep your impact glasses clean and free of any scratches or debris that could obstruct your vision. Here are some tips for cleaning and storing your impact glasses:
- Clean the lenses with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the lenses.
- Dry the lenses with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Store your impact glasses in a safe, clean place. A hard case is ideal, but if you don’t have one, a soft cloth bag will suffice.
- Inspect your impact glasses regularly for any cracks or scratches. If you notice any damage, replace the glasses immediately.
What are the most common problems with impact glasses?
There are several problems that can occur with impact-resistant glasses. The most common problem is that the lenses can become cracked or broken. This can happen if the glasses are dropped or hit against a hard surface. In addition, the frames of impact-resistant glasses can become bent or distorted, which can cause the lenses to become misaligned.
Where can I get more information about impact glasses?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that regulates workplace safety. OSHA does not currently have specific regulations for impact glasses, but the agency does require employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers who are exposed to potential eye hazards.
There are a variety of sources you can consult for more information about impact glasses, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of PPE. You can also find more information on OSHA’s website (osha.gov).
