Eye & Face Protection: Don’t Blink—Safety First!
1910.133 Eye and Face Protection:
If eyes are the windows to the soul, then safety goggles are like the window frames that keeps it safe. OSHA’s 1910.133 makes it crystal clear: when there’s a risk to your workers' eyes or face, you need protection that’s ready to step in.
Here’s a quick guide from 1910.133 in case you blinked:
General Requirements (1910.133(a)): Employers must ensure employees use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, chemicals, or potentially injurious light radiation.
Side Protection: Eye protection must provide side protection when there's a hazard from flying objects.
Prescription Lenses: Employees who wear prescription lenses must use eye protection that either incorporates the prescription or can be worn over the prescription lenses.
Manufacturer Identification: Eye and face PPE must be distinctly marked to identify the manufacturer.
Filter Lenses: Appropriate shade numbers for filter lenses are provided for various operations, including welding and cutting.
Compliance Standards: Protective eye and face devices must comply with specified ANSI/ISEA standards.
Alternative Compliance: Employers can use devices that are at least as effective as those constructed in accordance with the specified standards.
With the right eye-ware protection for the right job, no eyesight needs to be lost at work.
Brandy’s Fast Fact: Did you know eye injuries cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation? Whether it’s flying debris, molten metal, or even liquid splashes—don’t let it be your team’s reality.
Need help with making sure your company’s PPE is up to OSHA standards, including face and eye PPE?
Reach out today!
This blog was written by Brandy Zadoorian, CSP, and Triangle Safety Consulting LLC's Owner and Principal Consultant.
She offers audits, expertise, resources, and guidance to help small to medium-sized manufacturing facilities improve their safety program, including compliance with OSHA Requirements.
She is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) under the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
