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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 A Nonprofit International Organization for Safety in Science and Science Education 192 Worcester Road, Natick, MA 01760-2252 508-647-1900 Fax: 508-647-0062 Cell: 508-574-6264 Res: 781-237-1335 info**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org _www.labsafety.org_ (http://www.labsafety.org/) Making Health, Safety, and the Environment an Integral and Important Part of Education, Work, and Life
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