Standards Development

Scope

This Standard specifies minimum requirements for eye and face protectors designed to provide protection for the eyes and faces of biological hazards, such as human or animal bodily fluids and microorganisms including viruses and other particulates.

Requirements for spray, splash and spurt protection are given and appendices describing appropriate text methods are included in this Standard.

This document applies to all afocal (plano) and prescription lens protectors and components.

This document does not apply to:

• Protectors specifically intended for protection from impact eg from high speed particles and fragments, non-solar optical radiation, dusts, molten metals, heat, flame, hot solids, harmful gases, vapours (and aerosols);

• Protectors specifically for sports,

• Protectors for lasers or non-ionizing radiation

Purpose

Currently there is no standard which specifically addresses the needs of health care workers, clinical biologists, first responders, front line workers and others exposed to biological hazards. As a consequence, products made available to these groups may not effectively protect the eyes and face of the wearer from these hazards and may impede vision, comfort and safety of the wearer. A clear standard defining requirements for this product will provide guidance for manufacturers and wearers for the protection required.