Eye Protection Standards

Protective eyewear is covered by the standard AS/NZS 1337: 1992.  A number of requirements need to be met before any eye protection can meet this standard, including the following criteria:

  • General Finish

The eye protector must be finished correctly and not cause injury or discomfort during use.

  • Materials

Materials should not cause skin irritation, abrasion or skin discolouration.

  • Optical Properties of Lenses

Lenses offer protection, provide no distortion and are comfortable to wear.

  • Ventilation

Eye protectors that completely occlude the ocular area must provide ventilation (Note: some medium and high impact protectors are exempt from this requirement).

  • Dimensional requirements for eye shields and face shields

The minimum vertical dimension for eyewear is 70mm and for a face shield, from the lower edge of the browguard to the lower edge of the visor is 170mm.

  • Impact Resistance

All eye protection shall be capable of withstanding impact from a specified weight ball without cracking, detaching or dislodging, breaking or coming into contact with the eye or the head.

  • Penetration Resistance

Eye protection must withstand penetration of a specified weight projectile without cracking into two or more pieces, being pierced or allowing the projectile to come into contact with the eye or the head.

  • Flame Propagation

Materials used in the construction of protectors should withstand heat so that the burning rate of the material will be no greater than 100mm per minute.

  • Thermal Stability

Materials used in the construction of protectors shall be stable at elevated temperatures and will show no physical distortion in optical properties or strength.

  • Protection Against Corrosion

When tested for corrosion, the materials shall have a smooth surface free from corrosion.

  • Low Impact Protection

All eye protection should be capable of withstanding the relevant test for low impact.

  • Medium Impact Protection

Medium impact protection is required for wide vision goggles, wide vision spectacles, faceshields and eye shields.

 

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