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701.2 - Personal Protective Equipment Policy

Eye and Face Protection (PPE) Policy

1. Introduction

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes and face is designed to prevent or reduce injuries. Employers must assess workplace hazards and determine appropriate protection in accordance with OSHA CFR 1910.132(d).

2. Hazard Assessment

A hazard assessment must evaluate exposure risks, including emergency scenarios. Protection should address the highest level of hazard present.

  • Impact: Flying debris (grinding, drilling, sanding)
  • Heat: High-temperature processes (welding, casting)
  • Chemicals: Splashes, vapors, and fumes
  • Dust: Airborne particles (woodworking, buffing)
  • Optical Radiation: Intense light (welding, laser work)

3. Classes of PPE

PPE serves as a secondary line of defense when engineering controls are insufficient. Selection depends on exposure risk.

  1. Respirators: Required when air contaminants exceed safe levels.
  2. Eye & Face Protection: Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields meeting ANSI Z87.1.
  3. Hand Protection: Gloves selected based on chemical compatibility and exposure level.
  4. Body Protection: Protective clothing such as lab coats or coveralls.
  5. Foot Protection: Appropriate footwear or chemical-resistant boots.

All PPE must:

  • Be appropriate for the task
  • Have low permeability for hazards
  • Be cleaned and inspected regularly
  • Be properly stored

4. Responsibilities

All students, faculty, staff, and visitors participating in laboratory or chemical activities must wear appropriate eye protection. Departments must provide eye protection to employees.

Employees who wear prescription lenses must use compatible PPE or wear protection over their glasses in compliance with OSHA standards.

5. Training

Employers must provide PPE training in accordance with OSHA CFR 1910.132(f).

  • When PPE is required
  • What PPE is required
  • How to properly use PPE
  • Limitations of PPE
  • Care, maintenance, and disposal

6. Maintenance

  • PPE must be maintained in sanitary condition
  • Damaged or defective equipment must not be used
  • Replace scratched or damaged lenses

7. Cleaning

  • Clean PPE regularly to prevent fogging and contamination
  • Disinfect shared equipment before reuse
  • Use soap, water, and approved disinfectants

8. Storage

  • Store PPE in clean, protective containers
  • Prevent damage from dust, heat, or rough handling

9. Written Certification

Employers must document PPE training, including employee name, training date, and certification subject.

10. Emergency Procedures

  • Install eyewash stations in hazardous areas
  • Post first-aid instructions
  • Ensure employees know eyewash locations

11. PPE Requirements

All eye and face protection must comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards and OSHA requirements.

  • Adequate hazard protection
  • Safe design and construction
  • Proper fit and comfort
  • Durability and cleanability

12. Safety Spectacles

Safety spectacles protect against impact hazards and must include side shields. Non-side shield glasses are not acceptable.

13. Proper Fit

  • Must be properly fitted by trained personnel
  • Adjust for comfort and secure positioning
  • Ensure proper seal for dust and chemical protection

14. ANSI Z87.1 Standard

ANSI Z87.1 establishes performance and testing requirements for eye and face protection devices, including spectacles, goggles, and face shields.

Policy Approved: [Insert Date]

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Last Reviewed: [Insert Date]