In general, eye and face protection needs to be worn whenever there is a risk to a worker that could result in an injury or harmful exposure to a worker’s eyes or face. These hazards are associated with:
Check the legislation in your jurisdiction to determine the requirements for eye and face protection. Many jurisdictions in Canada require eye and face protection to meet CSA Standard Z94.3 Eye and Face Protectors.
Workplaces should conduct hazard assessments to identify the hazards that workers may be exposed to, and then select appropriate personal protective equipment when engineering controls or other more permanent methods of control are not possible. Consult with the personal protective equipment manufacturer about the uses and limitations of each type of eye and face protection.
If using personal protective equipment is part of the work, the workplace should develop and implement a personal protective equipment program. A good comprehensive strategy involves considering the hazards, conducting risk assessments, evaluating all possible control methods, integrating various approaches, and re-examining the controls frequently to make sure that the hazard continues to be controlled.
Below is a brief description of different types of eye and face protection (see tables further below for more detailed information),
Safety glasses or spectacles
Goggles
Face Shields
Welding Helmets
Hoods
Respirator facepieces
Lenses: CSA-certified eye and face protectors must meet the criteria for impact resistance as outlined in the standard. Only devices made of approved materials are permitted.
Markings: The manufacturer or supplier certification mark must be present on all approved safety lenses, frames (front and temple), removable side shields, and other parts of the glasses, goggles, or helmets. Products that are tested and approved by CSA will bear the CSA certification mark.
Frames: Safety frames are stronger than street-wear frames and are often heat resistant. They are also designed to prevent lenses from being pushed into the eyes.
From: CSA Standard Z94.3.1-16 Guideline for selection, use and care of eye and face protectors, 2016
Eye wear will protect the user if the protection device fully covers the eye and surrounding soft tissues. If eye protection is required, establish a complete eye safety protection program, including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance, and inspection.
Eye and face protection devices need maintenance.
Lenses can be clear, tinted, photochromic or polarized. Each type offers various levels of ultraviolet protection, including no protection (even when coloured). Do not be fooled by the colour of the lenses.
If you are at risk for eye or face injury at work, you should wear appropriate protection.
To select the proper protectors, follow the recommendations in the table below.
Note: This table cannot cover all possible hazards and combinations that may occur. Examine each situation carefully and select the appropriate protector or combination of protectors.
Class 1A - Spectacles
Class 2A, 2B - Goggles
Class 5A, 5B - Hoods
Class 6A, 6D - Face shields
Class 1A - Spectacles
Class 2A, 2B - Goggles
Class 5A, 5B - Hoods
Class 6A, 6D - Face shields
Class 1B - Spectacles
Class 2C - Goggles
Class 5C, 5D - Hoods
Class 6B, 6C, 6D - Face Shields
Class 2B - Goggles
Class 5B - Hoods
Class 6A - Face Shields
Class 2B - Goggles
Class 5B - Non-Rigid Hoods
Class 6A - Face Shields
Class 1A - Spectacles
Class 2A, 2B - Goggles
Class 5A, 5B - Hoods
Class 6A - Face Shields
Class 1B - Spectacles
Class 2C - Goggles
Class 5C - Hoods
Class 6B - Face Shields
Class 3 - Helmet
Class 4 - Handshield
Class 2E - Goggles
Class 5E - Hoods
Class 6D - Face shields
From: CSA Standard Z94.3.1-16 Guideline for selection, use and care of eye and face protectors, 2016
Eye and face protection may also be required when there is a risk of exposure to infectious diseases that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets or other bodily fluids. Splashed body fluids may also increase the risk of other diseases such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV. Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields may be used as an additional layer of protection to help prevent infectious droplets from coming into contact with a worker’s eyes, nose or mouth. These devices are not substitutes for respiratory protection, and appropriate masks and respirators need to be worn when required.
Splashes, droplets and sprays:
Irritating chemical mists:
(based on guidance from ANSI Z87.1-2015 Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices)
Make sure the eye and face protection is appropriate for the hazards and is selected, used, and maintained in accordance with the applicable legislation and standards. If respirators are worn, the workplace must follow the requirements of their respiratory protection program.
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.