Australian Safety Glasses Regulations

Australian Safety Glasses Regulations

Here is a detailed analysis of Australian safety eyewear standards, with a particular focus on the key regulatory framework, testing procedures, classification system, and compliance requirements. In Australia, safety eyewear is regulated to ensure protection for workers in various hazardous environments, ranging from industrial and construction sites to laboratories and healthcare settings.

1. Regulatory Framework and Governing Standards

The primary standard governing safety eyewear in Australia is:

AS/NZS 1337.1:2010

Title: Personal Eye Protection – Eye and Face Protectors for Occupational Applications
Joint Standard: This standard was developed jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.

This standard outlines the minimum requirements for design, performance, testing, and labelling of eye protectors used in occupational settings.

Other Relevant Standards:

  • AS/NZS 1336:2014 – Recommended practices for occupational eye protection (complements AS/NZS 1337.1).

  • AS/NZS 1337.6:2012 – Eye and face protection for lasers and intense light sources.

  • AS/NZS 1337.4:2011 – Filters for eye protectors (especially for welding and related techniques).

2. Types of Eye Protection Under the Standard

AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 classifies safety eyewear into several categories:

Type Application
Spectacles General protection against low-impact hazards
Goggles Sealed protection against dust, splashes, fumes
Face shields Full face protection against high-energy impact
Welding eyewear Specialized filters and materials for optical radiation

Each type is assessed for different hazard environments such as impact, optical radiation, chemical splashes, and dust/fine particles.

3. Impact Rating System

A core part of the standard is the impact protection classification, which designates how much force the eyewear can resist:

Classification Impact Resistance Test Typical Use Cases
Medium Impact Withstands a 6 mm, 0.86 g steel ball at 45 m/s Construction, maintenance, general industry
High Impact Withstands a higher velocity test (120 m/s) Not typically required unless specified
Extra High Impact Rare – used in highly specialized scenarios Heavy industrial or military applications
Low Impact Basic protection against minimal hazards Office/laboratory with limited mechanical risks

Note: Most certified eyewear in Australia must meet medium impact protection as a minimum for general industry use.

4. Optical and Radiation Protection

Eyewear must meet optical quality standards to ensure:

  • Visual clarity (no distortion)

  • Correct refractive power

  • Ultraviolet (UV) protection

  • Infrared and visible light filtration (especially in welding eyewear)

Specific filters are tested against AS/NZS 1337.4, with grading levels based on the spectrum of light they protect against (e.g., UV400 lenses for UV protection).

5. Testing Procedures

Certified products undergo stringent testing, which may include:

a. Impact Testing

  • Dropping steel balls from defined heights or firing projectiles at set velocities to test lens resistance.

b. Lens Testing

  • Refractive power, prismatic effects, light transmittance, haze, and diffusion.

c. Chemical Resistance

  • Exposure to solvents and corrosive substances to simulate lab environments.

d. Flammability

  • Materials must resist ignition and not continue burning after exposure.

e. Field of View and Coverage

  • Ensures the design does not obstruct vision and adequately protects against lateral hazards.

6. Certification and Marking Requirements

All certified protective eyewear must be clearly marked with specific data:

Marking Code Meaning
AS/NZS 1337.1 Compliant with the standard
Manufacturer ID Traceability of the manufacturer
Impact rating (e.g., M for Medium) Level of mechanical protection
Lens class (1, 2, or 3) Optical clarity (Class 1 is highest)
Filter or radiation codes Applicable if UV or IR protected

Certified products often carry the SAI Global “5 Ticks” logo, signifying they’ve been independently tested.

7. Legal and Workplace Safety Obligations

Under Australian WHS (Work Health and Safety) laws, employers have a legal duty to provide certified PPE, including safety eyewear, wherever there’s a risk of eye injury. This includes ensuring:

  • PPE complies with AS/NZS 1337.1

  • Workers are trained on proper use and maintenance

  • Damaged eyewear is replaced immediately

  • Eyewear is fit for purpose (correct size, rating, etc.)

The regulator in each state (e.g., WorkSafe Victoria, SafeWork NSW) may audit compliance.

8. Issues and Evolving Considerations

a. Counterfeit and Non-Compliant Eyewear

A key issue in the industry is the presence of non-compliant PPE marketed as “safety eyewear.” If not tested or falsely marked, these products can fail during actual hazards.

b. Comfort and Fit

Workers may avoid using eyewear that’s uncomfortable. Modern designs under the standard must now consider ergonomic features—adjustable nose bridges, anti-fog coatings, and lightweight materials.

c. Blue Light and Digital Eye Strain

While not a physical hazard, some Australian safety eyewear now incorporates blue light filtering for digital screens—though this is not a mandated part of AS/NZS 1337.1 yet.

9. Summary and Recommendations

Aspect Key Point
Standard AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 sets the national safety eyewear criteria
Minimum Requirement Medium impact protection for most workplace environments
Testing Involves optical, mechanical, chemical, and fire safety checks
Markings Must show compliance, manufacturer ID, impact level, and optical class
Compliance Employers legally required to provide compliant PPE under WHS laws
Best Practices Choose comfort-fit eyewear with anti-fog, UV protection, and proper ratings

10. Final Thoughts

Australian safety eyewear standards are robust, providing a globally respected benchmark for eye protection in hazardous workplaces. Ensuring that eyewear meets AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 is not just a legal necessity—it’s a vital part of protecting workers' vision and well-being. As technology evolves and new hazards emerge, the standards continue to adapt, aiming to offer even more comprehensive protection in a user-friendly form.

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