Aug 26, 2010 Posted on Aug 26, 2010 in Safety Glasses | 5 comments

Are Universal Side shields OSHA and ANSI Compliant?

Universal side shields are plastic shields that fit onto the sides of glasses to better protect the eyes from harmful substances that a worker may come into contact with during the work day. Universal shields come in many shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. Some are OSHA and ANSI compliant, but some are not. If your job requires you to wear universal side shields as a part of your regular safety equipment, you will want to make sure they are OSHA and ANSI compliant to you are not injured or fined due to having the wrong ones.

When an employee already wears glasses, it is possible to simply use the universal shields that are properly rated by OSHA and ANSI in order to afford added protection to eyes while working. Universal shields can be made out of a number of material. Medical grade polymers provide flexible protection while meeting the ANSI Z87.1-2003 impact requirements. These side shields can help protect against blood borne pathogens, bodily fluids, viral and other airborne particles by adjusting to any frame and pliably conforming to facial features.

Other side shields can be made out of impact resistant polycarbonate. This material should be rated to impact specifications tested to ANSI Z87 on both metal and plastic frames. Side shields should be easy to install and apply and fit snugly against the face in order to prevent splashes and eye injury. Other options are often available on these types of universal side shields. Tinted lenses are available, to help keep harmful UV rays from damaging the eyes and helps to eliminate glare.

Some jobs will require that side shields be compliant with OSHA rule 29 CFR Part 1910.133. This rule has specific specifications for side shields and protective eye glasses depending on the job being done. Jobs like shielded metal arc welding and plasma arc cutting require eye safety side shields and goggles to be thicker than those for workers only working with a torch brazing or soldering. Check the OSHA and ANSI requirements for your job to see what the minimum protective shade is needed to keep your eyes safe from harm.

It is important to only use safety devices, such as protective eye side shields, that are ANSI and OSHA compliant. Inferior side shields may be cheaper, but may not offer you the protection you need when you need it most. You can find our the specifications for universal shields by consulting the OSHA website. Your company may also have specific requirements as well, above what is required by OSHA and ANSI. When working around electricity, plasma and chemicals, it is possible to do some severe and irreversible damage to your eyes. However, with proper precautions and by wearing the compliant safety gear, those chance of damage to your eyes is greatly lessened. Make sure the universal side shields you are using are compliant to be assured that you are getting the best protection possible for your eyes.

Aug 19, 2010 Posted on Aug 19, 2010 in Safety Glasses | 0 comments

What Are The Right Type Of SideShields For Me?

Written on Thursday, October 1, 2009

There are so many types of side shields out there! You can find just about anything if you look hard enough. It is very important to know what is best for you, so that you can maintain the highest safety levels while working. Eye damage can be very serious even if an accident or injury seems small. It is not worth taking a chance.

If you already wear glasses, there are slip-on sideshields that will fit any type of prescription glasses. This is an easy and quick way to maintain safety. The only issue with these is that you have to remember to keep them on you for when you need them. Many people just leave them on their glasses, if they are flexible enough to bend when glasses are folded.
There are many generic protective glasses with side shields that fit most people. These are great if you are just protecting your eyes from particles and debris. These are very commonly seen in the work place. These precautionary glasses are the most commonly worn.

If you are going to be working in welding areas, there are side shields to protect your vision against the welding flame. Many people don’t think of the fact that you do not have to be looking directly at a welder to obtain damage. If it is in your line of vision, it is best to protect your eyes. It surely can’t hurt.

If you are working with chemicals, you will want to make sure that your side shields are chemical resistant and fit in a way that will protect your eyes from splatter and droplets. This is important in lab settings, hospitals, and many companies that use chemicals on a regular basis.
If you work in a hospital, there are various molded frames with shield that will protect you against body fluids. These are very similar to those used for chemicals, but the material make-up is different.

You should always ask your employer what types of side shields are right for your environment. This should be something that you are taught before you start working. If you need them for personal use, you can contact any company that makes side shields. They are very informative and will be able to give you the very best of suggestions.

As long as you are wearing side shields for nothing but protection from particles, you will just need a generic one fits all type. If you are welding or in certain types of light, then you need to make sure that your side shields accommodate that.

If you wear glasses, you will want to get a goggle style that fits over your existing frames. If for some reason you do not like this choice, you can get prescription glasses with side shields on them made specifically for your job.

If you are unsure of whether or not you should put on side shields in a working environment, go ahead and ere on the side of caution. Your eye are a major part of your function. Do not loose them due to lack of safety.