What is the OSHA standard for all safety glasses?

February 4, 2013 Mr. Thomas Buckely P.O. Box 154 Waukesha, WI 53187 Dear Mr. Buckely: Thank you for your letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP). We apologize for the delay in our response to you.

This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated within your original correspondence. You had specific concerns regarding the use of prescription safety glasses. Scenario: You are required to wear safety glasses that have prescription lenses.

When it was time to have your prescription lens updated or enhanced, you inquired about using the same frame and purchasing new corrective lenses. You have been receiving conflicting information from various optical providers regarding the use of your old safety glass frames.

• One company stated that it was an OSHA law that you had to purchase a new frame.
• Question 1: What is the requirement for updating prescription safety glasses? Response 1: The general requirement for eye protection are found in §1910.133.
• The standard includes the requirement that “he employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.

§1910.133(a)(3), OSHA requires that eye protection must comply with either of two consensus standards incorporated by reference in OSHA’s eye protection standard at §1910.133(b). These are Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, ANSI Z87.1-.1989 and ANSI Z87.1-2003.

Either of these consensus standards therefore is relevant to whether your employer may allow you to use your safety glass frames refitted with new lenses as eye protection on the job. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations.

Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules.

Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov, If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of General Industry and Agricultural Enforcement at (202) 693-1850.

Sincerely, Thomas Galassi, Director Directorate of Enforcement Programs

What does OSHA say about wearing safety glasses?

The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from injurious light radiation. The following is a listing of appropriate shade numbers for various operations.

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As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. In oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the (spectrum) operation.

What are the standards for safety glasses?

Impact testing – The first marking you’ll likely see on your eyewear is “Z87” or “Z87+”. This is the ANSI standard for impact protector requirements which helps ensure safety eyewear provides workers with the needed protection from impact hazards. For safety eyewear to pass the basic Z87.1 standard, it must pass the Drop Ball Impact Test.

1. This test involves a steel ball (that is one inch in diameter and weighing roughly 2.4oz) being dropped from a test height of 50 inches.
2. For eyewear to pass, the lens and frames must remain intact.
3. But what about if there’s a “+” next to the Z87 marking? Z87+ means that the eyewear meets a higher impact standard and goes through a much tougher set of tests than Z87.

There are three additional tests for Z87+:

Do safety glasses have to be OSHA approved?

Technically, OSHA doesn’t ‘approve’ your safety glasses ; ANSI certifies them as either ‘protective’ or ‘not protective.’ ANSI develops the standards a pair of safety glasses must meet to be protective while you are at work around certain hazards.

What is the difference between ANSI and OSHA safety glasses?

The Wrap Up – In short, OSHA is or is part of a governing body. They write standards which are the law. Disobeying the standards can result in violations, fines, and even cease of work. ANSI is made up of a group of volunteers to achieve a consensus of the way things should be manufactured and used.

1. In that nature ANSI standards are more specific and are often adopted by OSHA as regulations.
2. For example, the OSHA regulation for safety glasses specifically points out an ANSI standard for their manufacture.
3. If the glasses are not designated ANSI Z87.1, it would not be OSHA compliant, and the user’s company could face an OSHA violation.

OSHA is the regulation, which is the law. ANSI is a voluntary standard agreed upon by manufacturers, engineers and other professionals who work in the area subject to the standard.

Is ANSI Z87 1 OSHA approved?

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. (Letter Undated) Mr. Donald K. Hannaman General Manager-Operations Jackson Products 5801 Safety Drive, N.E.

Belmont, Michigan 49306 Dear Mr. Hannaman: This is in final response to your request for consideration of your Vision Guard eye protective device as meeting the intent of the OSHA Eye and Face Protection standard. OSHA’s standards at 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(6) provide that “Design, construction, testing, and use of devices for eye and face protection shall be in accordance with the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1-1968.” The referenced ANSI standard, however, states in paragraph 2 that “Variations from the requirements of this standard may be granted by the authority having jurisdiction only when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administrative agency that equivalent protection is afforded.” On the basis of the information which you have presented to us, OSHA has determined that your product, the Vision Guard does provide protection equivalent to that provided by eye protection which meets all the requirements of ANSI Z87.1- 1968.

Therefore, OSHA would consider employers using this product to be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(6) and such employers would not be cited, if this equipment was being used and maintained properly. It is extremely important, however, that the Vision Guard be permanently marked in a manner that would easily allow employers, employees and our compliance personnel to distinguish it from other types of protective eyewear.

What is the OSHA standards for eye and face protection?

The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number that provides appropriate protection from injurious light radiation. Table I–1 is a listing of appropriate shade numbers for various operations.

* These values apply where the actual arc is clearly seen. Lighter filters may be used when the arc is hidden by the workpiece.

As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. In oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the (spectrum) operation.

Are safety glasses regulated by FDA?

Both FDA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulate industrial prescription safety lenses.

What is ANSI Z87 1 standards?

ANSI Z87.1 Defined – The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a nonprofit organization with a primary mission to: Enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems and safeguarding their integrity.

What is the highest safety rating for glasses?

Z87+ – In addition to, you may see safety glasses that feature a Z87+ rating. How do these differ from the original Z87 rating awarded by ANSI? Eyewear that receives a Z87+ rating passes the initial impact test as well as an additional test testing its resistance to high velocity impact.

What is the company policy on safety glasses?

Overview – Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection. OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment.

What does ANSI Z87 2 mean?

Z87-2 = basic impact rating. Z87-2+ = high-velocity impact rating.

Does OSHA require side shields on glasses?

Standard Interpretations Clip-on Side Shields.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements discussed.

1. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules.
2. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.
3. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA’s website at https://www.osha.gov,
4. December 9, 1976 Mr.
5. Jim Pryde Safety and Security Administrator Wagner Castings Company P.O.

Box 1319 Decatur, Illinois 62525 In re: Your letter dated November 23, 1976 Clip-on Side Shields Dear Mr. Pryde: If the hazards to which your employees are exposed requires side protection for their eyes, it is recommended that you provide safety glasses with permanently attached side shields.

• You may use clip-on side shields if they are not easily detached and otherwise meet the requirements of ANSI Z87.1 – 1968.
• One of these requirements is that the side shields be tapered with an anatomical periphery extending at least halfway around the circumference of the lens frames.
• This requirement cannot be met by some temple-mounted side shields.

Please contact us if we can be of further service. Very truly yours, EDWARD J. LARGENT Assistant Regional Administrator for Technical Support cc: Barry J. White, Regional Administrator – OSHA Washington, D.C.

Does OSHA use ANSI or ISO?

Safety Sign Standards OSHA vs. ANSI vs. ISO As a workplace safety expert, I understand the importance of having clear and effective safety signs in the workplace. One aspect of this is understanding the different safety sign standards, such as OSHA, ANSI, and ISO.

While all of these standards have the same goal of providing clear and effective safety signage, they have some key differences that employers and employees should be aware of. The key difference between OSHA, ANSI, and ISO standards is that OSHA is legally binding, while ANSI and ISO are voluntary standards.

OSHA regulations require employers to provide safety signs and labels as necessary to warn employees of potential hazards and that safety signs be durable, legible, and understandable by all employees. This is important because it ensures that safety signs are in compliance with government regulations and that they are clear and effective in warning employees of potential hazards.

• By following OSHA regulations, employers can help to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
• ANSI, on the other hand, is a private organization that develops and publishes standards for a wide range of products and services, including safety signs.
• ANSI Z535.1 is the standard for safety signs, which provides guidelines for design, layout, and color.

This standard is voluntary, but many employers choose to follow it as a best practice. This is important because it helps to ensure that safety signs are clear, consistent and easily recognizable. By following ANSI standards, employers can help to improve safety in the workplace and make it easier for employees to quickly identify and respond to potential hazards.

1. ISO, or the International Organization for Standardization, is an international organization that develops and publishes standards for a wide range of products and services.
2. ISO 7010 is the standard for safety signs, which provides guidelines for design, layout, and color.
3. It is similar to the ANSI standard and is also voluntary.

This is important because it helps to ensure that safety signs are clear, consistent and easily recognizable. By following ISO standards, employers can help to improve safety in the workplace and make it easier for employees to quickly identify and respond to potential hazards.

1. Another difference is that OSHA focuses on workplace safety specifically, while ANSI and ISO standards cover a wide range of products and services.
2. OSHA safety signs are more comprehensive and specific to workplace hazards, while ANSI and ISO safety signs are more general, focusing on overall design and layout.

This is important because it ensures that OSHA safety signs are tailored to the specific hazards of the workplace, while ANSI and ISO safety signs are more general, which can be used across different industries. By understanding the different safety sign standards, such as OSHA, ANSI, and ISO, employers can ensure that their safety signs are clear, consistent and effective in warning employees of potential hazards.

Employers should also be aware of the specific requirements and guidelines of each standard and how they differ from each other. By following these standards and guidelines, employers can help to improve safety in the workplace and make it easier for employees to quickly identify and respond to potential hazards.

Additionally, by using safety signs that comply with OSHA, ANSI, and ISO standards, employers can help to ensure that their workplace is in compliance with government regulations and industry best practices. Overall, safety sign standards play an important role in promoting safety in the workplace and employers should make sure to stay up-to-date with these standards to ensure they are providing the best safety measures for their employees.

Does OSHA require ANSI standards?

In a Nutshell – ANSI and OSHA play a crucial role in ensuring worker safety through their fall protection standards and requirements. ANSI provides guidelines for fall protection systems and equipment, while OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards.

• Although ANSI standards are not mandatory, many OSHA standards reference ANSI standards and using products that meet ANSI standards can help comply with OSHA requirements.
• Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment, and using fall protection equipment that meets both ANSI and OSHA standards can ensure worker safety.

At FrenchCreek Fall Safety, we offer fall protection products that meet both ANSI and OSHA standards and are designed to provide high levels of safety and security for workers. By following both ANSI and OSHA standards, employers can rest assured that their workers are protected against falls and are working in a safe environment.

Is ANSI part of OSHA?

Twice a year, Vertical Access representatives attend meetings of the ANSI Z359 committee to assist in the creation and modernization of fall protection standards. The ANSI Z359 suite of standards addresses just about all forms of fall protection equipment (harnesses, carabiners, lanyards, fall arrestors, etc) and associated work practices (rope access, rescue, management of fall protection programs, etc). Founded in 1918, the American National Standards Institute is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting “voluntary consensus standards.” Those three words, “voluntary”, “consensus” and “standards” succinctly describe the documents that ANSI produces.

ANSI’s primary mission is to facilitate standards that, when adhered to, set a level of quality and safety across an entire industry. These standards address everything from mold remediation, to transportation of nuclear materials, to bakery equipment and digital encryption. The standards are consensus based because they are written and agreed upon by many members across the entire applicable industry: manufacturers, end users, testing laboratories, etc.

Lastly, the standards are voluntary in that ANSI has no enforcement power. Technically speaking, ANSI itself does not develop standards. Instead, ANSI develops and administers the procedures by which other organizations can create the actual standards.

• ANSI will then accredit committees formed by other organizations and ultimately approve their documents as American National Standards.
• These independent organizations are referred to as the secretariats to the ANSI accredited committees.
• For example, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) acts as the secretariat to the ANSI Z359 Committee, the committee that Vertical Access serves on to create fall protection standards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a governmental agency that was created by Congress in 1971 as a subset of the Department of Labor. Contrary to ANSI, OSHA’s mission is to assure safe working conditions for employees by “setting and enforcing standards”.

• This enforcement aspect of OSHA is its primary distinction from ANSI.
• Many OSHA regulations address similar topics as ANSI standards (e.g.
• Fall protection), but where ANSI standards are voluntary, OSHA regulations are law.
• ANSI standards, however, can be adopted by OSHA and become law in two primary ways.

Explicitly, OSHA can reference specific ANSI (or any other organization’s) standards in OSHA regulations. This is referred to as “incorporation by reference”. Implicitly, OSHA can require adherence to ANSI standards through the General Duty Clause, which states, “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards” This clause allows OSHA to cite employers for hazardous conditions that are not directly addressed by OSHA, but are addressed by other industry standards.

How do I know if my safety glasses are ANSI approved?

Safety Ratings: An Introduction and Case Study – Luckily, it is fairly easy to determine whether a certain pair of glasses is safety-rated. But to further explain why, it can be helpful to use an example here. Let’s say that you are interested in purchasing a pair of Wiley X prescription safety glasses. According to the organization itself, ANSI is a nonprofit organization that promotes voluntary conformity standards in the United States. While this may sound quite vague, the bottom line is that the organization examines eyewear and judges whether it meets durability standards created by the organization.

• In other words, it conducts tests on glasses to determine their durability under extreme forms of pressure.
• One of the tests, for instance, is the high mass impact test.
• Here, a test machine drops a special weighted and pointed projectile onto a frame or lens (depending on what is being tested).
• The test, quite clearly, is designed to examine how a particular frame or lens responds to pressure.

There are several tests like these and they are used to judge whether a particular frame or lens is safety-approved. In any event, with your preferred ANSI standard in mind, you are trying to examine whether a particular pair of Wiley X prescription glasses are safety-approved.

To do so, you simply need to take a look at the glasses themselves. If the glasses are safety-approved according to ANSI or other standards, they will be stamped, By stamped, we mean that you will see on the frame or lens whether it meets certain safety standards. Looking at the Wiley X Gravity glasses, for instance, you will note that they are ANSI Z87.2 safety approved.

If you were to take a look at the physical glasses themselves, you would notice that there is a stamp on the glasses themselves that contains this information. Depending on the frame itself, the stamp can be found in different places. Rest assured, however, that it will be there. As for the stamp itself, it may not be intuitive at first glance. This is because stamp—at least for ANSI standards—contains different letters and numbers that signify the particular safety approval. For instance, if you are looking for ANSI Z87.1 glasses, you may see product markings representing things like “H” (representing a product designed for a small head size), “D3” (splash protection) and “D4” (droplet protection), “L” plus a scale number (representing visible light filter), and “D5” (representing fine dust protection).

1. Ultimately, the stamp provides a detailed description of the safety attributes and features within safety-rated glasses.
2. The stamp is accurate and you should rely on it when determining whether your glasses are safety-rated.
3. So what’s the bottom line? To verify whether a pair of glasses is safety-approved, you will want to examine the stamp.

If you are looking at a pair of Wiley X glasses or another type of glasses in a brick and mortar store, you can simply pick up the glasses and examine them from there. However, if you are planning on ordering your glasses from an online retailer, you will need to take an extra step.

1. If you are purchasing your glasses from Rx-Safety, for example, you will see that every safety-approved product is noted in the product description.
2. This way, you can quickly see whether a pair of glasses is ANSI approved.
3. But having said this, it is always good to double-check once you receive your glasses.

Make sure that they have the exact safety approvals that you need and expect. If they don’t, you can always return them and find another pair of glasses that do meet the necessary safety approvals.

What is the difference between ANSI Z87 and Z87 2?

By Barry Santini ABOM To protect for sun and safety, both the frame and the lens must be safety certified. In this case, the frame, unlike dress eyewear, takes on as much importance as the lenses. The ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Impact Safety Standard Both the frame and lens require safety certification, what does that mean? The answers lie in the requirements set forth in an industry wide agreement called ANSI Z87.1-2003.

About every 10 years, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private nonprofit organization, reviews ANSI standards. Z87.1 defines Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. This standard has testing criteria for both frames and lenses and two levels of performance are defined; Basic Impact and High Impact.

For example, in addition to the high mass and high impact tests, the frame must have the ability to retain a 2.0 mm plano lens under high impact (not just a 3.0 mm plano) in order to earn the High Impact label. Also, prescription lenses must meet stringent standards.

Here is a short example of Z87 requirements, for more details a complete copy of the standard can be ordered from ANSI directly at www.webstore.ansi.org. Frames that are labeled “safety certified” meet these very stringent requirements. FRAMES High Mass Impact and Retention Test: Pointed projectiles (500 g) are dropped 50 inches.

Four samples must be tested and for all, no piece shall be detached from the inner surface of any frame component, and the test lens shall be retained in the frame. High Velocity Impact and Retention Test: A steel ball (0.25 in) at 150-ft/sec velocity hits the frame.

• No contact with the eye of the head form is permitted as a result of impact.20 samples must be tested of any frame component, and the test lens (2 mm poly plano) shall be retained in the frame.
• Flammability: The front, temple, lens and removable side shield (if applicable) shall not burn at a rate greater than 76 mm (3 inches) per minute.

LENSES Prescription and Removable Plano Lenses Basic Impact: Spectacle lenses shall be not less than 3.0 mm thick, except prescriptions that are +3.00D or greater in the most plus meridian in the distance portion of the lens which shall have a minimum of a thickness no less than 2.5mm.

• Spectacle lenses shall be capable of resisting impact (drop ball) from a 1-inch diameter steel ball dropped from a height of 50.0 in.
• The lens shall not fracture as a result of this test.
• High Impact: When used in a frame marked Z87-2, the lenses shall not be less than 2.0mm thick is capable of resisting an impact from a 0.25 in diameter steel ball traveling at a velocity of 150 ft./sec.

No piece shall be detached from the inner surface of the lens. In addition, the lens should not fracture. Penetration Test (Plastic Lenses Only): Plastic spectacle lenses shall be capable of resisting penetration from a weighted projectile weighing 44.2 grams dropped from a height 50.0 inches.

• The lens should not fracture or be pierced through as a result of this test.
• Optical Quality: Lenses shall be optically correct when measured for Prismatic Power, Refractive Power, Resolving Power, Haze, and Transmittance.
• The optics need to be precise in order to meet ANSI Z87 optics.
• Note: optical characteristics may behave differently in the uncut and glazed versions, be sure to see test results for lens quality when glazed in their respective frames.) Transmittance: Lenses shall comply with standard requirements for clear or general-purpose filters or special purpose lenses.

The lens shade marking is determined by the light transmission or type of special purpose lens. Look for the Markings to Know for Sure Frames that pass the retention tests are stamped with the manufacturer’s mark and “Z87” or “Z87-2”. If the frame is intended for plano, it is marked Z87.

1. If intended for both plano and prescription lenses, it is marked Z87-2.
2. Therefore, for fames carried in a dispensary, where many customers will want prescription options, it makes sense to look for the Z87-2 marking.
3. It adds flexibility to inventory and increases the opportunity for sales.
4. Lenses In a safety certified clear or sunglass, lenses are marked permanently.

The different designations help the optician show their customers that lenses fabricated will meet either the Basic or High Impact test.1) For Removable Lenses, the markings are as follows: The mark or logo indicates or identifies the manufacturer and compliance with Impact Testing Requirements. 2) For Non-Removable Lenses, the markings are as follows: Only one marking on the frame front or one of the temples is required. As before, mark or logo indicates or identifies the manufacturer. The Z87 indicates compliance with the ANSI safety standard, there is a letter shade number, and a “+” indicates that it meets the High Impact Testing requirements.

1. An example of a non-removable lens would be: WX Z87 S+ and would translate to Wiley X (WX), ANSI Z87 frame (Z87), special purpose lens (S) or shaded, High impact lens (+).
2. Photochromics are also allowed and designated with the letter V,
3. Safety is technical and complicated so relying on the dependability of a sunglass to meet the safety requirements require that it be properly marked.

Wiley X is unique in the marketplace in that it is the only company that supplies all of its sunwear, Safety Certified. Patients respond to discussions about protection of their eyes especially when combined with a pair of frames that they agree they look good in.

Is ANSI Z87 1 the same as Z87+?

The marking Z87.1 and Z87+ will apply to the same high impact rating however they will meet different versions of the ANSI Z87.1 Standard.2010 version of the ANSI Standard updated the 2003 standard.

What is ANSI Z87 1 standards?

Eye Protection Categories: Impact vs. Non-Impact – ANSI Z87.1 classifies eye protection as impact- or non-impact-rated. Impact-rated eye protection must pass certain high-mass and high-velocity tests, and provide eye protection from the side. Impact-rated eye protection will have a plus symbol (+). Impact-rated flat lenses, for instance, will be marked “Z87+.”

What is the OSHA standard at 29 CFR 1910.151 B?

April 18, 2002 Mr. John Mateus Less Stress Instructional Services 138 Buena Vista Avenue Hawthorne, New Jersey 07506 Dear Mr. Mateus: Thank you for your November 21, 2001 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Directorate of Compliance Programs.

1. You requested clarification of OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151 (Medical Services and First Aid).
2. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated within your original correspondence.
3. Your questions have been restated below for clarity.

We apologize for the delay in your response. Question 1 : How does the ANSI standard Z308.1-1998 relate to 29 CFR 1910.151(b)? In a non-industrial workplace (for example, a corporate office) where employees perform administrative duties and there are no specific employment-related injuries anticipated, would a kit matching the ANSI standard be sufficient for compliance with 29 CFR 1910.151(b)? Reply : Paragraph (b) of 29 CFR 1910.151 requires that in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital near the workplace, a person or persons must be adequately trained to render first aid.

• Adequate first aid supplies must be readily available.
• ANSI standards become mandatory OSHA standards only when, and if, they are adopted by OSHA; ANSI Z308.1, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits, was not adopted by OSHA.
• However, ANSI Z308.1 provides detailed information regarding the requirements for first aid kits; OSHA has often referred employers to ANSI Z308.1 as a source of guidance for the minimum requirements for first aid kits.

The contents of the first aid kit listed in ANSI Z308.1 should be adequate for a small worksite, like the one you describe in your letter. However, larger or multiple operations should consider the need for additional first aid kits, additional types of first aid equipment, and first aid supplies in larger quantities.

You may wish to consult your local fire and rescue department, an appropriate medical professional, your local OSHA area office, or a first aid supplier for assistance in putting together a first aid kit which suits the needs of your workplace. You should also periodically assess your kit and increase your supplies as needed.

Question 2 : Are there any specific interpretations for the term “readily available”? Reply : The term “readily available” is not defined in the standard. However, responding in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death. Therefore, the person who has been trained to render first aid must be able to quickly access the first aid supplies in order to effectively provide injured or ill employees with first aid attention.

1. The first aid supplies should be located in an easily accessible area, and the first aid provider generally should not have to travel through several doorways, hallways and/or stairways to access first aid supplies.
2. Question 3 : Can an employer use the interpretation for “near proximity” (the 3-4 minute and 15 minute standards) for determining the quantity and location for first aid supplies? Question 4 : Is there a standard for placing first aid kits and/or cabinets based on employee numbers, density, or geography? Reply : 29 CFR 1910.151(b) does not specifically address the placement of first aid kits and/or cabinets based on employee numbers, density, or geography.

Therefore, it is the employer’s responsibility to assess the particular needs of the workplace and tailor first aid kits and their placement to the specific needs of the workplace. Question 5 : What “measuring stick” would an OSHA compliance officer use to determine acceptable first aid supplies for compliance with 29 CFR 1910.151(b)? Reply : OSHA compliance officers take into consideration a variety of factors when assessing compliance with 29 CFR 1910.151(b).

The factors that you mention above are some of the things that a compliance officer evaluates when assessing a first aid kit. We cannot provide a list of “exact requirements” which will apply for every workplace; each workplace must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the types of injuries and illnesses that are likely to occur at that workplace.

Question 6 : Other than inspection of a site for specific hazards, are there quantitative measurements such as employee-to-kit ratios, time frames within which employees should be able to access supplies, etc.? Reply : Please see our response to Question 4.

1. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health.
2. We hope you find this information helpful.
3. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations.
4. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations.

This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov,

What does ANSI Z87 2 mean?

Z87-2 = basic impact rating. Z87-2+ = high-velocity impact rating.

Jack Gloop