Protecting Your Eyes with Safety Glasses
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that each affected employee use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards. This means wearing safety glasses that comply with the ANSI Z87.1 standard. The “Z87.1” marking, typically found on the frame of the glasses, notifies the wearer that the glasses meet or exceed the test requirements of The American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Why We Wear Safety Glasses
It is your responsibility to ensure that personal protective equipment is worn when required, maintained in a safe condition, and stored correctly. Safety glasses help protect your eyes from objects that can pierce, bruise, scratch, or damage them. They withstand high impacts from work tasks such as drilling, cutting, grinding, using a nail or staple gun, or any other tasks that create flying debris or particles.
Requirements of Safety Glasses
If you wear prescription lenses, you must either wear approved safety glasses containing prescription lenses and frames that meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1 standard or wear safety goggles over your regular prescription glasses. The safety goggles must also be marked to meet or exceed the Z87.1 standard. Safety glasses must have side protectors built into their design when working around flying objects or particles. If this is not possible, use attachable side shields that comply with the ANSI standard.
No Excuses: Always Wear Your Safety Glasses
There are countless excuses for not wearing safety glasses.
Comments like:
“They’re uncomfortable,”
“I’m only doing this small task that will take just a minute.”
Are dangerous.
Take the time to wear all the required eye and face protection. If you’re unsure if your safety glasses meet the requirements, bring them to your supervisor for inspection.
Eye-Openers
Spot the Mark:
Where is the Z87.1 marking on the safety glasses you wear at work? Identifying this mark is your first step toward ensuring safety compliance.
Task-Ready Protection:
What are some job tasks at your facility that require the use of safety glasses? From drilling to grinding, pinpoint the activities that necessitate eye protection.
Beyond Glasses:
What are some work tasks here that require more protection, such as goggles or a face shield? Recognize when enhanced protection is necessary to keep your vision secure.
Stay Vigilant
By staying vigilant and proactive, we can prevent eye injuries and ensure a safe working environment for everyone. Remember, your vision is irreplaceable—don’t take it for granted.
