Revised American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices: ANSI Z87.1-2003

ANSI Z87.1-2003, published in August 2003, establishes performance criteria and testing requirements for devices used to protect the eyes and face from injuries from impact, non-ionizing radiation and chemical exposure in workplaces and schools. It covers all types of protective devices, including:

• spectacles (plano and prescription)

• goggles

• face shields

• welding helmets and hand shields

• full face piece respirators

The standard includes descriptions and general requirements, as well as criteria for testing, marking, selection, use and care. Note that it does not apply to hazardous exposure to bloodborne pathogens, X-rays, high-energy particulate radiation, microwaves, high-frequency radiation, lasers, masers, or sports.

Z87.1-2003 is the latest in a series of eye and face protection standards dating back to the earliest US standards for safety equipment over 80 years ago. Introduced in this edition are new designations for "Basic Impact" and "High Impact" protectors. The two levels of protection have distinct testing and marking requirements. Basic impact lenses are tested using a "drop-ball" test, while high impact lenses, and all frames, have to meet the more stringent high mass and high velocity impact tests.

A section on selection, use and maintenance defines all types of eye and face protectors, and provides guidance on hazard assessment and selection. A pull-out selection chart is included, showing recommended protector categories for various types of work activities that can product impact, heat, chemical, dust or optical radiation hazards.

Another feature is an Eye Injury Report Form, which users are encouraged to complete and return to the Z87 Committee when there is an injury. This will help the committee build an injury database and identify potential areas of improvement for subsequent revisions of the standard.

ANSI Z87.1-2003 is the product of Accredited Standards Committee Z87, recognized by the American National Standards Institute. ISEA assumed the secretariat of this committee in June 2004; previously it was held by the American Society of Safety Engineers. ISEA now administers the committee, and will provide support it future revisions of the standard, as well as manage the process through which the committee provides interpretations of the standard.

Copies of the standard are available from the ISEA. The single-copy cost is $53. Discounted rates for bulk orders are offered. ISEA also publishes an Eye and Face Protection Use and Selection Guide as a companion to the standard.

For additional information, contact Technical Director Janice Bradley, or Technical Projects Coordinator Cristine Fargo. To order online, go to: http://www.safetyequipment.org/order.html.