Understanding Face Shields and Safety Glasses

Protection for eyes and faces significantly reduces injury risks from impacts, splashes, dust, and radiation exposure in workshops, jobsites, and clinics. Face shields extend from forehead to chin, offering a wide field of defense with a curved visor. Safety glasses, conversely, shield the eyes utilizing impact-rated lenses and provide crucial lateral coverage. Selecting the appropriate protective eyewear depends on specific hazards, task duration, and job requirements. Notably, OSHA demands that employers pair identified dangers with appropriate protective devices meeting ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 performance criteria OSHA eye and face protection and 29 CFR 1910.133.

Design and Intended Use

Safety glasses represent the primary defense against flying particles and blunt force impact, particularly when marked in accordance with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1. The Z87+ rating signals enhanced impact resistance. Wraparound frames or tack-on side pieces elevate lateral protection during activities such as grinding, cutting, or drilling. Polycarbonate lenses are commonly used for their high impact resistance, with added anti-fog or anti-scratch features available. Those requiring prescription lenses have options, including Z87.1-rated prescription models or over-spectacles.

Meanwhile, face shields furnish a broader barrier to safeguard the nose, mouth, and facial skin, proving critical for tasks involving significant chemical splash, molten metal, radiant heat, or arc flash. Selecting the appropriate shield type is essential. Nonetheless, a visor alone offers insufficient eye impact protection; pairing a shield with compliant glasses or goggles remains imperative when impact risks are present. Both OSHA and NIOSH stress this guidance for industrial and healthcare settings OSHA guidance, NIOSH eye safety.

Standards and Compliance Essentials

OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.133 mandates eye and face protection aligned with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, also requiring side protection where flying object hazards exist (1910.133(a)(2)). Employers must ensure that protection markings, fit, and coverage suit the identified risks and that equipment is maintained in good working condition. ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 outlines impact tests, optical clarity, coverage, side protection, droplet/splash, dust, and radiation filters. Manufacturers appropriately mark frames, lenses, and shields. The detailed ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 consensus standard is available from ISEA ANSI/ISEA Z87.1.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

• Is a face shield an acceptable alternative to eyewear? No. Face shields do not replace primary eye protection for impact hazards. They should be used alongside safety glasses or goggles when projectiles or fragments are potential threats. References: OSHA, NIOSH.
• Are side shields for glasses OSHA approved? OSHA does not formally approve products. Instead, employers must supply eyewear with side protection when required, whether integrated or clip-on, provided the assembly fulfills ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 and delivers lateral coverage as stipulated under 1910.133(a)(2). Consult OSHA 1910.133 and the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 overview.

For routine tasks involving flying debris, safety glasses form the baseline defense. Tasks involving splashes, heat, or high-energy hazards necessitate layering face shields over compliant spectacles or goggles per requirements. Together, these selected protective eyewear solutions effectively mitigate injury risks while ensuring OSHA and ANSI compliance.

Protection Levels: Face Shields vs. Safety Glasses

Selecting appropriate protection between shields and spectacles hinges on several factors including hazard type, duration of exposure, and task dynamics. Coverage varies significantly between the two. A face shield extends from brow to chin and ear-to-ear, encompassing a larger area, whereas safety glasses focus solely on protecting the eyes, often supplemented by side shields or wraparound temples.

Standards and Compliance

To ensure safety and compliance, U.S. employers are mandated under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 to provide suitable eye and face personal protective equipment (PPE). This regulation references the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard, which outlines performance criteria through extensive testing and markings. For those seeking guidance on selection, OSHA offers extensive resources, including the Eye and Face Protection page (https://www.osha.gov/eye-face-protection). Notably, workplace incidents report approximately 2,000 workers seeking medical treatment daily for work-related eye injuries, highlighting the importance of proper selection and fit (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/).

Impact and flying fragments

Dealing with high-velocity particles from tasks like grinding, chipping, or cutting, demands impact-rated spectacles or goggles that fulfill ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 high-mass/high-velocity standards, usually denoted with the Z87+ marking. A visor aids in deflecting larger debris, offering reduced risk of facial strikes. However, a visor alone shouldn't replace impact-rated eyewear since gaps may allow particles to threaten the eyes. OSHA provides guidelines for selecting appropriate eye or face PPE based on specific hazards present (https://www.osha.gov/eye-face-protection). Compared to other options, layering impact-rated glasses beneath a visor offers comprehensive protection for environments with mixed debris. For further information on ANSI markings and selection criteria, refer to Princeton University EHS (https://ehs.princeton.edu/health-safety-the-lab/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/eye-and-face-protection).

Liquids, droplets, and dust

For challenges posed by splashes, sprays, or fine particulates, sealed coverage is essential. The ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard includes designations D3 for droplets/splashes, D4 for dust, and D5 for fine dust. Chemical handling, with its potential for splashes, benefits from chemical goggles (D3) together with a visor on top for additional coverage. In this context, side-shield glasses often fall short in effectively preventing fluid entry. For nuisance dust, wraparound glasses with a foam gasket and D4/D5 designation, or sealed goggles, are advised to minimize intrusion. A proper understanding of ratings and lens/visor markings is crucial before acquisition. For more insights on these markings, consult Princeton EHS (https://ehs.princeton.edu/health-safety-the-lab/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/eye-and-face-protection).

Heat, optical radiation, and arc hazards

Processes such as welding, cutting, brazing, and furnace work involve exposure to infrared, ultraviolet, visible glare, and hot spatter. Filter shades must match the intensity of the process. OSHA’s eTool suggests recommended filter lens shades based on the operation and amperage (https://www.osha.gov/etools/eye-and-face-protection/selector). Welding tasks require goggles or helmets compliant with the ANSI Z87.1 filter guidelines, often combined with visors/helmets that provide complete face coverage. Electrical maintenance with arc-flash exposure requires arc-rated equipment. Employers should integrate face protection with balaclavas, hoods, and corresponding garments, adhering to site-specific arc-flash studies and OSHA regulations for hazard assessments and PPE programs (https://www.osha.gov/eye-face-protection).

Practical selection guide

• For low-risk shop work with minimal debris, impact-rated glasses (Z87+) are adequate. Adding foam gaskets can help with intermittent dust issues.
• Tasks like grinding, chipping, or masonry work benefit from Z87+ glasses or goggles worn under a visor for multiply impact protection.
• Chemical transfers or potential line breaks necessitate D3-rated goggles combined with a visor to curtail facial exposure.
• In scenarios involving bioaerosol splashes, sealed goggles paired with face protection provide comprehensive coverage while maintaining an effective ocular seal.
• Welding or thermal cutting tasks should employ shade-rated goggles or helmets following OSHA’s shade tables, alongside compatible visors/helmets for deflecting spatter.
• For operations involving electrical switching with arc potential, implement arc-rated shields or hoods within the site’s arc PPE ensemble.

Buying checkpoints for SMBs and crews

• Confirm ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 markings on frames, lenses, and visors, ensuring relevant designations such as Z87+, D3/D4/D5, U for UV, W for welding, and R for IR. Princeton EHS provides a summary of marking codes for quick checks in the field (https://ehs.princeton.edu/health-safety-the-lab/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/eye-and-face-protection).
• When facing multiple hazards, layering devices is vital. Glasses or goggles act as primary eye protection, enhanced by visors for extra face coverage.
• Prioritize features such as anti-fog (N) and abrasion-resistant (K) coatings to sustain clear visibility.
• Ensure compatibility with respirators or hearing protectors to avoid gaps or pressure points.
• Train crews using OSHA/NIOSH materials. Access NIOSH’s eye safety hub for injury data, risk control strategies, and educational resources (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/).

Balanced safety programs leverage goggles, glasses, or face shields for tailored protection matching workplace realities.

Regulatory Standards and Guidelines for Eye and Face Protection

Understanding and adhering to OSHA’s eye and face protection rule, 29 CFR 1910.133, is vital for safety in environments with potential hazards. Employers must ensure suitable protection against risks like flying debris, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids, harmful gases, vapors, or damaging light sources. This protection must align with identified risks from a documented hazard assessment, as described under 29 CFR 1910.132(d). Detailed information can be accessed through OSHA’s online resources regarding the standard and personal protective equipment.

Scope and Selection Under 29 CFR 1910.133

The main function of primary protectors is to cover and shield the eyes, while secondary devices offer additional protection to further exposed areas. OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection eTool outlines typical use scenarios, including when it's necessary to use secondary protective devices for high-exposure operations. When hazards might approach laterally, like parts or fragments, side protection is mandatory under 1910.133(a)(2). Options achieving this include wraparound designs or detachable side shields, which must be correctly marked. All equipment should meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 performance criteria, with permanent markings like Z87 or Z87+ indicating their impact rating and filter given task suitability.

Are Face Shields Required?

Safety practices necessitate face shields when a hazard assessment indicates risks to facial tissues beyond solely the eyes, such as chemical splashes, sprays, molten metal, arc flash, or high-energy grinding. OSHA guidelines state secondary protectors augment rather than replace primary eye protectors in impact scenarios. This approach is reinforced by NIOSH for splash and infectious exposures, which recommends layered protection to manage droplets and aerosols while ensuring impact resistance.

Requirements for Safety Glasses and Goggles

Protective devices must conform to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, addressing impact, penetration, optical quality, and coverage, including areas exposed to projectiles. For intense radiant energy or UV exposure, filtered lenses with the correct shade scale are essential. In the case of liquid splash or fine particulates, sealed goggles with relevant markings such as D3, D4, or D5 under ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, offer superior protection. In instances with full-face splash risk, compliment primary eye protection with secondary devices.

Employer Duties: Assessment, Training, Fit, Care

Employers are required to conduct task-based hazard assessments, documenting potential and combined risks like impact, splash, vapor, and radiant energy. Optimal PPE combinations should be selected, ensuring they do not interfere with each other or other equipment like respirators or helmets. Training must be provided under 1910.132(f), covering the necessity of protection, usage instructions, maintenance, limitations, and recognizing signs of wear. Proper fit is crucial, with emphasis on elements like optical centers, temple length, bridge design, and seal integrity aligning with users’ facial structures for protection and comfort. Equipment maintenance involves adhering to manufacturer instructions for cleaning and replacements, removing any scratched or pitted items compromising clarity or resistance.

Practical Implications for Purchasing and Site Policy

In situations combining impact and splash risks, use safety glasses or sealed goggles along with secondary protection to manage full-face exposure. For impact hazards without splash or radiation concerns, safety glasses marked Z87+ are generally suitable when there is adequate side coverage; sealed goggles should be chosen if dust or liquid droplets are a factor. When welding or involved in UV-intensive tasks, choose the appropriate shaded eyewear, adding filtering plates in secondary devices as required to protect facial skin. The goal is ensuring optimal safety and compliance with defined standards for peace of mind on-site.

Are Face Shields a Viable Replacement?

Summary Judgment

Face shields cannot replace primary eye protection for most tasks involving impact hazards, flying fragments, or high-velocity debris. Regulatory standards such as OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 mandate using approved eyewear or goggles as primary protection when faced with these risks. Despite enhanced coverage, visors do not function as stand-alone substitutes and should be seen as supplementary protection. Both OSHA and NIOSH emphasize the importance of having visors complement approved safety eyewear, particularly for exposure to splashes, droplets, and particles. Nevertheless, they do not prevent impact as effectively as dedicated eyewear solutions.

When Visors Alone Fit

In environments where tasks involve low-risk splashes and no projectile hazards, visors might suffice if policy permits. Before implementing visor usage, a proper hazard assessment is advised to ensure compliance with OSHA 1910.132(d). The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also advises choosing protective gear based on specific hazard types, often recommending combined protection in varied risk scenarios.

Standards-Driven Selection

Utilizing ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 guidelines assists in choosing the correct eye protection. This standard outlines performance, markings, and impact ratings. Even if visors possess high-impact ratings, they require primary eyewear underneath for protection against projectiles. Factors like coverage, optical class, and side protection also play a crucial role in selection.

Buyer Guidance

• Recognize visors as supplemental protection for tasks such as grinding or cutting. Pair visors with Z87+ marked safety glasses when facing impact risks.
• For splash-only scenarios, opt for full-length, contour-wrapped visors with forehead drips shields. Prioritize anti-fog and chemical-resistant coatings.
• Ensure compatibility with other safety equipment like respirators, ear muffs, and hard hats, avoiding any gaps.
• Verify that products have manufacturer ID, Z87 or Z87+ markings, optical class, and requisite specialty filters (UV, IR).
• Adhere to maintenance guidelines specified by suppliers, replacing items showing pitting, crazing, or after impacts.
• Standardizing supplies helps simplify spare management for small teams. Assemble kits combining visors with safety glasses to enhance compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick FAQ for eye and face protection, rooted in OSHA and NIOSH guidelines.

What is an alternative to safety glasses?

The hazard profile determines selection. Sealed goggles certified to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 frequently surpass safety spectacles for dust, splash, or vapor exposure 29 CFR 1910.133(b)(1). Prescription-rated options or over-the-glass goggles cater to individuals needing vision correction. High-velocity impacts demand pairing goggles with a visor for full-face coverage OSHA Eye and Face Protection eTool. When dealing with welding or cutting, use filter lenses with correct shade numbers per 1910.133(a)(5). Eliminating or isolating hazards with guards or process changes under the hierarchy of controls remains a priority NIOSH. NIOSH eye safety insights supplement these measures NIOSH eye.

Are face shields required by OSHA?

Requirements originate from a documented hazard assessment per 29 CFR 1910.132(d). When dangers threaten the eyes or face, employers should furnish suitable PPE according to 1910.133(a); construction regulations are found under 1926.102. Shields alone fail to qualify as primary eye protection for impacts; they must be accompanied by compliant spectacles or goggles, following OSHA’s eTool guidance guidance page. In laboratories, chemical-splash goggles are commonly recommended for splash hazards, aligning with NIOSH NIOSH eye.

Are side shields for glasses OSHA approved?

OSHA does not endorse equipment. Compliance depends on fulfilling consensus standards included by regulation: eye protectors need to meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 editions recognized in 1910.133(b)(1). For flying object risks, lateral protection is necessary per 1910.133(a)(2). Look for Z87 or Z87+ markings on frames and side pieces, as they indicate tested impact performance. Further standard information resides on ANSI’s site ANSI Z87.1 overview.