DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 21:46:28 EST
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From: Jim Kaufman <Labsafe**At_Symbol_Here**AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: ANSI Z87.1 Standard Confusion
John Palassis' comments below would seem to me to be helpful in
understanding the multi-hazard nature of the ANSI Z-87.1 standard. He points us to the
OSHA 29CFR1910.133 standard.
29CFR1910.133 says:
"1910.133(a)(1) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses
appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from
flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids,
chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation." ... and
later ...
"1910.133(b) Criteria for protective eye and face devices.
1910.133(b)(1) Protective eye and face devices purchased after July 5, 1994
shall comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989, "American National Standard Practice for
Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection," which is incorporated
by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6."
Now, the important inference that I draw from this is that OSHA believes
that the ANSI Z-87.1 standard is good for ALL of these types of hazards (not
just impact). OSHA is suggesting that Z-87.1 is a multi-hazard standard.
John also notes that unfortunately, he does not have his own copy of the
standard.
In looking at the Z-87.1 (1989) standard itself ...
The word "impact" does not appear in the forward or preface (1989).
The Scope and Purpose says:
"This standard shall apply to those occupational and educational operations
and processes where eye and face hazards (plural ... my words) exist. These
include, but are not limited to, machining operations, material welding and
cutting, chemical handling, and assembly operations."
The selection chart on page 16 lists five major types of hazards: impact,
heat, chemical, dust, and optical radiation. So, it would seem fairer and more
reasonable to me to consider the Z-87.1 to be a multi-hazard standard.
... Jim
After reading the OSHA 29CFR 1910.133 regulation on Eye and Face Protection
at _http
://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9778_
(http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9778)
and then reading the comparison of the old (1989) and new (2003) versions of
the ANSI Z87.1 standard at _http://www.abcsafetymart.com/sglasses/ansi.html_
(http://www.abcsafetymart.com/sglasses/ansi.html) , unfortunately I do not
have my own copy of the standard, but it is my understanding and opinion that
the ANSI gives specific performance tests for strength and integrity of the
frame and lens against eye and face hazards that can be found in various
occupational and educational operations. Impact-resistant frames and lenses are
of primary importance of the ANSI Z87.1 standard. However, the ANSI standard
also covers specifications for lens and frame markings, optical requirements
of the lenses, side shields, and tests for corrosion and flammability of the
parts used to manufacture these devices (safety glasses, goggles, face
shields (my list)).
However, the OSHA 1910.133 eye and face regulation is all-inclusive to cover
impact, splashes, dust, and heat and injurious light radiation. It does say
a little about side shields. OSHA is primarily interested that the employer
ensures that the employees are protected by using safely-designed eye and
face devices. The OSHA 1910.133 references only to the old Z87.1-1989
standard. All other newer revisions of the ANSI Z87.1 should be considered
voluntary by the industry and academia. It is to the benefit of the manufacturers to
produce products that meet the newest ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard to stay
competitive, and to the benefit of the users to buy eye and face protection
devices that meet the newest ANSI standard. OSHA from the regulatory point of view
is interested that these devices meet the 1989 ANSI requirements.
John P.
James A. Kaufman, Ph.D.
President/CEO
jimkaufman**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org
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