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. Any eye protection used shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3 or equivalent.

Physical agents include such things as: 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 / biological hazards can damage eyes quickly when in direct contact, and may be the result of a splash, spill, or vapour. Chemical or biological injuries to the eyes may often be harder to prevent than physical injuries. Because of this, persons working around hazardous chemical substances are required to wear chemical splash goggles, that prevent any of the liquids from nearing the eyes. Chemical splash goggles have protected air vents that minimize the chance of any 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

1. is handling or is exposed to any material which is likely to injure or irritate the eyes, or
2. is engaged in any work in which there is a hazard of eye injury, or
3. has 20/200 vision in either eye or is blind in either eye.

Where an employee intends to wear contact lenses at their place of employment they shall notify the employer without delay. Instructors of courses involving hazardous substances should determine which students wear contact lenses. No employee/student shall wear contact lenses where:

1. gases, vapours or other materials are present which, when absorbed by contact lenses, may harm the eyes, or
2. dusts 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.

Contact lenses may be worn, where the appropriate eye protection is worn at the same time (i.e. safety glasses for dusts, etc; chemical splash goggles for protection from liquids, vapours or gases).

Where persons are 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.

Persons engaged in operating or riding on snow machines, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles or working around helicopters shall wear eye protection.