CSA Z94.3.1-16

Preface

This is the second edition of CSA Z94.3.1, Guideline for selection, use, and care of eye and face protectors. It supersedes the previous edition, published in 2009 under the title Selection, use, and care of protective eyewear.

The Guideline covers the selection, use, and care of eye and face protectors and provides advice for the proper selection of eye and face protection for specific hazardous activities.

Major changes to this edition include the following:

a) added terminology on compliance and certification of eye and face protectors (see Table 1);

b) revised the laser classes in accordance with the current edition of ANSI Z136.1 (see Clause 6.1);

c) added allowance for arc flash protectors and requirements that apply to arc flash protective equipment (see Clause 6.2);

d) updated the lens materials and properties (see Clause 7);

e) added guidelines for safety eyewear fit testing (see Clause 8); and

f) added two new hazard types, Hazard Types I (lasers) and J (electric arc flash) in the selection of protectors for each hazard type (see Clauses 12 and 13).

Introduction

This Guideline has been developed as a complementary document to CSA Z94.3. The purpose of this Guideline is to provide advice for the proper selection of eye and face protection in relation to the specific hazardous activity involved; not all hazards have been identified in this Guideline.

For eye and face protection to be effective, it must be properly selected for the job and fitted to the wearer.

Note: CSA Z94.3 requires that prescription safety eyewear be fitted by a qualified professional (e.g., a licensed ophthalmic practitioner).

The first choice in preventing eye injuries is to design work procedures and equipment so that workers are not exposed to eye hazards. However, the total elimination of eye hazards from the workplace is often not possible, and other measures must be taken to control residual hazards so that they do not result in injuries to workers and others in the work zone. One such control measure is the wearing of personal protective equipment (such as eye and face protectors). It is well recognized that the majority of eye injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear and following basic safety rules.

Any well-designed eye and face protection program should be part of an effective occupational health and safety management system. Specifications for such a management system can be found in CAN/ CSA-Z1000. This Guideline is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act model of safety management, and it lays out the basis for proper management of personal protective equipment as a necessary strategy for injury and illness prevention.

Notes:

1) As a first step to selection of proper eye protection, a hazard assessment/risk analysis of the workplace should be done to identify the hazard type(s).

2) Refer to Clause 13 of this Guideline for hazards and recommended protectors.

3) Refer to applicable provincial/federal occupational health and safety legislation.