Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2004 17:38:02 EST
Reply-To: Labsafe**At_Symbol_Here**AOL.COM
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Jim Kaufman <Labsafe**At_Symbol_Here**AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Goggles and Contact Lenses
Phil is absolutely right.  Chemical splash does need goggles.  But the
problem is that many folks can't, don't, or won't distinguish between impact and
chemical splash goggles.

So, saying goggles in simply insufficient.  One must say chemical splash
goggle for a chemical splash.  And ANSI/ASSE could do us all a big favor by asking
the manufacturer to put the selection chart letter after the Z-87.1 to
indicate the type of device.

Concerning contact lenses, they do it for good reason.  Six years ago, after
five years of study, the ACS Council Committee on Chemical Safety joined other
major organizations (Prevent Blindness America, American Optometric
Association) and many companies (Dow, 3M, and DuPont) by agreeing that contact lenses
are acceptable as long as all the other necessary eye protection is worn.

So, I for one am not the least bit upset about contact lens use and very much
agree with the ACS position.  ... Jim

In a message dated 11/13/2004 12:01:28 AM Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU writes:

> OK, I've heard enough!  Chemical eyewear is simple.  It must protect the
> eyes in all cases of exposure.  So this means that it must be chemical
> splash protective.  This means GOGGLES.  Nothing else is acceptable.
>
> The ANSI standard is for all forms of eye protection, and the Z87.1
> standard really indicates that it is intended to be protective eyewear,
> and not that it is (even) all that effective against a specific hazard.
> But in THIS area we need to have GOGGLES that also meet the Z87.1
> standard, which means that they are not simply "decorative" eyewear.
>
> We would be far ahead of the game were we to see separate dstandards for
> different types of eye protection, this is certain, but the fact is that
> there are/would be plenty of standards available, and almost noplace on
> the glasses to place the coded seal.  In fact, how many USERS can/could
> tell us what the correct seal mark should be?  Almost none, and it will
> remain so forever. The selection of protective eyewear is in the hands
> of the users, yes, but in our hands as well.  And it is OUR
> responsibility to select the correct type of protection, and inform the
> users what to use.  If this makes it difficult or not is not an issue.
>
> If we are going to get upset over ANYTHING let it be contact lenses.
> They should NEVER be worn while handling chemicals to which there is
> even a chance of exposure.  But people do it all the time.
>
> Phil


James A. Kaufman, Ph.D.
President/CEO

The Laboratory Safety Institute
A Nonprofit International Organization for
Safety in Science and Science Education

192 Worcester Road, Natick, MA 01760-2252
508-647-1900  Fax: 508-647-0062
Cell: 508-574-6264   Res: 781-237-1335
labsafe**At_Symbol_Here**aol.com   www.labsafety.org

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