March 14, 2005—A new guide from the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) provides practical, hands-on guidance for users and employers in the selection, use, and maintenance of eye and face protection equipment, for workers in almost every industry, the organization says.
This equipment includes safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets and shields, and full-face-piece respirators that provide eye and face protection. Each of these products is designed to address specific hazards, whether from impact, heat, spark, chemicals, biological agents, or optical radiation.
Employers will be able to use the guide to design an eye and face protection program from hazard assessment to product selection, worker training, cleaning, and maintenance. The guide provides a selection chart showing recommended protectors for various types of hazards and typical work activities. It also includes definitions, references to relevant OSHA regulations and standards, and contact information for ISEA member companies that manufacture eye and face protection equipment.
The guide was released by the ISEA as a companion piece to the recently revised American National Standard Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, ANSI Z87.1-2003. It explains the changes in the revised standard, including lens and frame markings that indicate the level of protection provided, and other helpful guidance for users of protective eyewear.
The Eye and Face Protection Use and Selection Guide, as well as the ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard, are available from ISEA. ISEA also publishes use and selection guides for fall protection equipment and non-powered air purifying respirators.
