Eye Protection
In any activity where a person's eyes are at risk of injury from physical, chemical or biological agents, suitable eye protection shall be worn. Eye protection shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3 or equivalent.
Physical agents include: broken glass, metal shards, sand, splinters, sawdust, etc. and can be protected through the wearing of safety glasses or impact goggles designed to provide protection from contact with physical objects.
Chemical or biological hazards can damage eyes quickly when in direct contact, and may be the result of a splash, spill, or vapour. Anyone working around hazardous chemical or biological substances is required to wear splash goggles that prevent any of the liquids from nearing the eyes. Chemical splash goggles have protected air vents that minimize the chance of hazardous liquid reaching the eyes. Safety glasses or goggles designed and intended to provide protection from physical impacts are not suitable for use to protect from any chemical hazards.
Eye protection is mandatory for any person who:
- Is handling or is exposed to any material which is likely to injure or irritate the eyes.
- Is engaged in any work in which there is a hazard of eye injury.
Prescription eyewear
When required to wear prescription glasses in order to work effectively, approved eyewear shall also be worn. Prescription safety glasses equipped with side shields may be substituted for safety glasses/goggles where protection from physical agents is required. When protection from chemical/biological agents is required, prescription glasses shall be worn in conjunction with chemical splash goggles.
Contact lenses
Adequate precautions must be taken if a hazardous substance or condition may adversely affect the individual wearing contact lenses.
Contact lenses should not be worn when:
- Gases, vapours or other materials are present which, when absorbed by contact lenses, may harm the eyes.
- Dust or other materials are present which, when trapped under the contact lenses, may harm the eyes or cause distraction which may expose the employee/student to other injury.
