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ANSI Z87.1 Eye and Face Protection Standard Changes

Document Number: 251
Although it has taken several years, the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) has approved the new “Occupational and Educational Personal Eye
and Face Protective Devices” standard – ANSI
Z87.1-2003.
There are several changes and minor alterations to the old standard (ANSI
Z87.1-1989), which went into effect in 1989 and was re-affirmed in 1998. ANSI
Z87.1-2003 addresses general requirements, descriptions and types, testing,
marking, selection, care and use of personal eye and face protectors. It includes
a new section on warning labels. The new standard also addresses National
Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators.
The changes mean manufacturers will need to retest or develop new protectors,
employers will have to
reassess job tasks and employees’ needs and employees will have to pay closer
attention to what type of eye protection is needed. The most significant changes
are summarized below.
Scope and Purpose
Section 2 – Scope, Purpose, Application, Exceptions, and
Interpretations – has been expanded. It emphasizes the type of hazards that the
protectors will address, while continuing to except specialized areas of radiation
protection, sports and bloodborne pathogens. It is important to note that different
categories of protectors are tested at different levels of impact resistance.
Users are cautioned in selecting eyewear where other standards may apply or where
no definitive
performance standards exist. If marked “Z87” or represented in any way as being
in compliance with this standard, the entire device must meet all of the requirements
of the standard. To ensure compliance, users are cautioned to use extreme care
when
selecting replacement components.
Frame Tests
Spectacle frame tests are designed to test the ability of the frame to retain
a lens upon impact and to evaluate the strength of the temples and/or sideshields.
The frame, body, housing or headgear components
are tested by installing “test” lenses that are strong enough to allow high mass
and high velocity tests to be conducted. These components must have the integrity
to comply with the tests regardless of the actual lens that will be in the model.
The high mass
and high velocity test methods are carried over from ANSI Z87.1-1989, but no
failures are allowed in the
high velocity test. Spectacle frames for prescription
lenses must meet the same criteria. Lateral coverage
requirements have been increased to provide expanded
rearward protection. This affects spectacles
primarily.
Frame Marking
All markings must be permanent, legible and placed so that interference with
the wearer’s vision is minimal. For products with removable lenses, all spectacle
frames (front, both temples and sideshields), goggle bodies or housings, faceshield
headgear and welding helmet components must be
marked with the manufacturer’s mark or logo and “Z87”. If the spectacle frames
are intended for prescription lenses, the front and both temples must be marked
with the manufacturer’s mark or logo, “Z87-2” and for size in accordance with
Z80.5-1997. Products with non-removable lenses require only one marking. For
spectacles, the manufacturer’s identifying mark or logo, the Z87 (basic impact
level) or Z87+ (high impact level) mark and a shade number (if applicable) may
be placed on the frame or temple. For goggles, faceshields or welding helmets,
the markings may be applied to any component including the lens. A summary of
required product marks and marking locations has been included in a new annex:
Annex G.
Lens Tests
Eye protectors are now classified as either basic or high
impact. This classification
is based on performance. They are tested as complete products, as they are
offered to the user. No distinction is made between removable and non-removable
lenses. Basic
impact protectors must be capable of passing a 1" drop ball test. High impact
protectors must comply with high mass and high velocity impact criteria. These
impact requirements apply to prescription spectacles as well. The penetration
test applies to
plano plastic lenses, whether they are basic or high
impact.
Lens Thickness
There is no minimum thickness requirement for high impact plano spectacles
that are tested as complete products. Basic impact spectacle lenses must be
at least 3mm thick. High impact lenses installed in prescription frames must
be at least two 2mm thick.
Lens Markings
All markings must be permanent, legible and placed so that vision interference
is minimal. Basic impact
removable lenses must bear the manufacturer’s mark or logo. High impact removable
lenses require the
manufacturer’s mark or logo and a “+”. If applicable, the shade number filter
lens, special purpose lens and photochromic lens markings must be present. Spectacles
with non-removable lenses must be marked
with the manufacturer’s mark or logo, “Z87”, a “+” if the lenses meets the high
impact testing requirements and if applicable, a shade number, special purpose
lens and photochromic mark. This marking may be placed on the front or on one
of the temples. A summary of required product marks and marking locations has
been included in a new annex: Annex G.
Optical Requirements
To clarify the transmittance ranges for special purpose
lenses Table 2 – Transmittance Requirements for
Special-Purpose Lenses – has been added. Table 3 – Switching Index Requirements
for Automatic Darkening
Welding Filter Lenses – has been added to specify switching index times for Auto
Darkening Filters
(ADFs).
Sideshields
There is no change in this recommendation. Side protection is that component
of a protector that extends from the front to some distance between the front
and
the wearer’s ear. It provided limited protection to the
wearer’s eyes from lateral hazards. Side protection may be an integral part of
the frame or lens, a separate sideshield that is permanently attached to the
frame, or a removable part of the frame. The function and coverage of side protection
are defined by the high velocity impact test. Lateral coverage requirements have
been increased to provide expanded rearward protection and are discussed under
Frame Tests.
Flammability
American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) test method D635-1998 has been
designated, but the
pass/fail criteria remains unchanged.
Respirators
Full facepiece and loose-fitting NIOSH approved respirators are now covered.
These devices contain lenses or windows and are subject to the optical, impact
resistance and marking requirements of ANSI
Z87.1-2003.
Warning Labels
A highly visible, removable label or tag must be affixed to any protector
that does not meet the high impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2003. The label
or tag must contain an appropriate warning indicating that the lens meets
basic impact requirements only and that it should not be relied upon for protection
from high impact exposures. The label or tag must also state that it is to
be removed by the user only.
Enforcement
Currently, ANSI Z87.1-1989 is incorporated by reference in the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations [29 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) 1910.133]. As such it carries the force of the law.
If OSHA chooses to adopt ANSI Z87.1-2003, the change will be noted in
the Federal Register. Lab Safety Supply will continually monitor the
Federal Register for an announcement of such changes.
Sources for More Information
ANSI “Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protective
Devices” standard – ANSI
Z87.1-2003
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government
regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice
or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited
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