Eye and face protection

Workers may be at risk of serious face or eye injuries when exposed to hazards such as flying objects and particles, fumes, vapours and mists, biological hazards, splashing liquids, molten metal and various types of radiation. Eye and face injuries can be prevented by:

• eliminating or controlling the hazard at its source through engineering and administrative controls
• using approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

There are many types of safety eyewear. Before choosing the appropriate safety eyewear, a risk assessment must be performed to determine the hazards present. Safety eyewear is critical to protecting the eyes when other control measures are not an option and/or as another precaution.

Part 6.13 of The Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation states that an employer must provide a worker with an eye or face protector that meets the requirements of CAN/CSA-Z94.3, eye and face protectors and CSA Standard Z94.3.1, Protective Eyewear Guideline for selection, use, and care of eye and face protectors for:

• flying objects or particles
• splashing liquids or molten metal
• ultraviolet, visible or infrared radiation
• any other material, substance or matter

It’s very important to note that prescription lenses or eyewear are not considered eye protectors under this section, unless they comply with the CSA standard and protect the worker from the hazards present.