CSA Z94.3.1-16

This Guideline has been developed as a complementary document to CSA Z94.3. The purpose of this Guideline is to provide advice for the proper selection of eye and face protection in relation to the specific hazardous activity involved; not all hazards have been identified in this Guideline. For eye and face protection to be effective, it must be properly selected for the job and fitted to the wearer. Note: CSA Z94.3 requires that prescription safety eyewear be fitted by a qualified professional (e.g., a licensed ophthalmic practitioner). The first choice in preventing eye injuries is to design work procedures and equipment so that workers are not exposed to eye hazards. However, the total elimination of eye hazards from the workplace is often not possible, and other measures must be taken to control residual hazards so that they do not result in injuries to workers and others in the work zone. One such control measure is the wearing of personal protective equipment (such as eye and face protectors). It is well recognized that the majority of eye injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear and following basic safety rules. Any well-designed eye and face protection program should be part of an effective occupational health and safety management system. Specifications for such a management system can be found in CAN/ CSA-Z1000. This Guideline is based on the Plan–Do–Check–Act model of safety management, and it lays out the basis for proper management of personal protective equipment as a necessary strategy for injury and illness prevention. Notes: 1) As a first step to selection of proper eye protection, a hazard assessment/risk analysis of the workplace should be done to identify the hazard type(s). 2) Refer to Clause 13 of this Guideline for hazards and recommended protectors. 3) Refer to applicable provincial/federal occupational health and safety legislation