Subchapter C. HEAD AND EYE PROTECTION
GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
39.551. Definitions.
39.552. Purpose.
39.553. Penalty.
SPECIFICATIONS
39.561. Protectors.
39.562. Types of goggles.
39.563. Classification of processes requiring protection.
39.564. Lenses for persons having defective vision.
39.565. Supply, repairing, replacement and adjustment of protectors.
39.566. Sterilization of protectors.
MANUFACTURE OF PROTECTORS
39.571. Protectors.
39.572. Lenses and windows.
39.573. Test for clear glass lenses.
39.574. Lense standards.
39.575. Windows of masks.
39.576. Goggle frames.
39.577. Goggle lenses and frames.
39.578. Goggle interior construction standards.
39.579. Masks.
39.580. Helmets.
39.581. Shields.
39.582. Hoods.
39.583. List of occupations requiring protectors.
39.584. Respirators.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter C issued under act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § § 25-1—25-15), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter C adopted July 12, 1921; amended through March 15, 1970, unless otherwise noted.
Cross References This Subchapter cited in 34 Pa. Code § 29.11 (relating to all installations); 34 Pa. Code § 33.27 (relating to eye protection); 34 Pa. Code § 39.25 (relating to apparel); 34 Pa. Code § 45.62 (relating to sawfiling machinery); and 34 Pa. Code § 47.167 (relating to maintenance).
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 39.551. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Establishment—Any place within this Commonwealth where work is done for compensation, to whomever payable, supervision over which has been given by statute to the Department.
Goggles—An optical device worn before the eyes, the predominant function of which is protection to the eyes.
Helmet—A rigid device worn by the operator, which shields the eyes, face, neck, and a portion or all of the other parts of the head and is held in place by suitable means.
Hood—A device which completely covers the head, neck, and portions of the shoulders so as to exclude dust and flying particles.
Mask—A device worn before the eyes and a portion or all of the face, the predominant function of which is protection to the eyes and face.
Protector—A device which is placed in front of the eyes, face, or head to afford protection from the hazards in various industrial processes or from the natural elements.
Shield—A device to be held in the hand, or supported without the aid of the operator, the predominant function of which is protection to the eyes and face.§ 39.552. Purpose.
This Subchapter pertains to head and eye protection within this Commonwealth, sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs, and health of workers who engage in occupations requiring head and eye protection, places responsibility of complying with this Subchapter upon both employer and employe, and supplements all other regulations of the Department which apply in all matters not specifically covered by this Subchapter, which involve the lives, limbs and health of workers.
§ 39.553. Penalty.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Subchapter or any regulations of the Department, or who interferes with the Department or its duly authorized representative in the enforcement of such provisions or regulations shall be penalized under section 15 of act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § 25-15).
SPECIFICATIONS
§ 39.561. Protectors.
(a) Classification. Protectors, including goggles, helmets, shields, hoods and masks, shall be worn during hazardous processes or occupation.
(b) Exception. Protectors shall not be required if other approved safeguards are furnished which adequately protect the worker from the hazard.
(c) Metal case with goggles. A suitable individual unlined metal case, with rounded corners, capable of withstanding sterilization in boiling water, shall be furnished with each pair of goggles.
(d) Inspection. Protectors shall be frequently inspected by the employer or by his authorized representative for the purpose of assurance that they are in good condition. The Department or its authorized representative will, from time to time, inspect the protectors in use.
(e) Interchanging between employes. Protectors, except hand shields, shall not be interchanged among employes unless they have been sterilized between each change.
§ 39.562. Types of goggles.
Goggles shall be designated according to types, as follows:
(1) Type 1. Goggles with rigid nonadjustable bridge (or adjustable metallic bridge) without side shields.
(2) Type 2. Goggles with rigid nonadjustable bridge (or adjustable metallic bridge) with side shields.
(3) Type 3. Goggles with flexibly connecting lens containers shaped to conform to the face.
(4) Type 4. Goggles with or without side shields with lens of a diameter of not less than 1 3/4 inches. The goggles of type 4 need not conform to either the drop test or to the test for frames and shall be used only for light grinding and for work around furnaces.
§ 39.563. Classification of processes requiring protection.
The various processes in which the operator shall be given protection to the head, eyes or neck, shall be divided into seven groups, each of which requires a protector of a particular style. The examples, given under each of the following groups are only illustrative and are not intended as a complete list of the operations or processes in which protectors are necessary:
(1) For protection from relatively large flying particles resulting from chipping, caulking and sledging in quarries, goggles of types 2 and 3 and masks may be used. For sledging in quarries, goggles of type 1 may also be used if the lenses are of extra thickness and at least 2 inches in diameter.
(2) For protection from dust and light flying particles resulting from scaling, grinding, stone dressing and some woodworking operations, goggles of types 1, 2, 3 and 4 may be used.
(3) For protection from splashing metal resulting from babbitting, pouring of hot metal, and dipping in hot metal baths, goggles of types 1, 2, and 3 and masks may be used. If goggles of type 1 are used, the lenses shall be not less than 2 inches in diameter. In the handling of hot metal, care shall be taken to eliminate moisture from the receptacle into which the metal is being poured. If type 3 eye cup goggles are used, they shall fit closely and the ventilating openings shall be covered so as to prevent the entrance of molten particles into the eye.
(4) For protection from gases, fumes and liquids, including the handling of acids and caustics and dipping in galvanizing tanks and japanning, goggles of type 3 mask or hood may be used, except that in pot nitration processes the mask is the only approved form of protection.
(5) For extra protection against dust and small particles from such work as sandblasting, a hood may be used.
(6) For protection from injurious radiant energy, if a moderate reduction in the intensity of the visible radiant energy is required, goggles of types 1, 2 and 3, with lenses of approved protective glass or plastic, or masks or helmets with windows of approved protective glass or plastic, may be used. The lens or window may be divided so that the upper portion is plain transparent material and the lower portion is approved protective transparent material. Furnace men shall be cautioned that cobalt glass is not effective in providing protection from ultraviolet radiant energy, which rays are injurious to the eyes. Employers and employes are urged to cooperate with the Department and with each other by not using lenses composed of cobalt glass, and, in their place, to use lenses which retard those rays that are injurious. Examples of such work involving radiant energy include oxyacetylene and oxyhydrogen welding and cutting, open hearth and Bessemer and crucible steel manufacturing, furnace work and electric resistance welding, exposure to glare in testing lamps, electric arc lamp testing, and spot welding with exposure to light rays.
(7) For protection from injurious radiant energy, if a large reduction of the visible radiant energy is required, helmets, hand shields or masks with windows of approved protective glass or plastic may be used. The work includes electric arc welding or cutting.
§ 39.564. Lenses for persons having defective vision.
When goggles are worn over spectacles with corrective lenses, the optical adjustment of the spectacles shall in no way be disturbed.
§ 39.565. Supply, repairing, replacement, and adjustment of protectors.
(a) Replacement. Employers shall keep in stock at all times for the use of employes and without charge, an adequate supply of different sizes of protectors and their repair parts and shall keep employes informed as to where such protectors or their parts may be obtained in the establishment. This does not apply to prescription goggles. Employers shall also be responsible for the proper replacement of protectors or their defective parts.
(b) Adjustment of protectors. Employers shall see that care is exercised in the adjustment of protectors that are not of the exact size, so that a maximum amount of comfort consistent with adequate protection is obtained for the employes.
(c) Repairing of protectors. Employes shall not wear defective protectors and shall be responsible for immediately reporting any broken, bent, or otherwise defective protectors and for making application to the employer for their repair or replacement.
§ 39.566. Sterilization of protectors.
Protectors shall be sterilized before issuance to the employes. Protectors after having been worn by an employe, shall be sterilized before reissuance to any other employe. The following are methods of sterilization:
(1) Immersion of goggles and cases in boiling water for a period of five minutes. This does not apply to protectors utilizing plastic lenses.
(2) Immersion of goggles and cases for ten minutes in a solution of formalin, made by placing three grams (not quite a teaspoonful) of 40% formaldehyde into a quart of water.
(3) Protectors and parts which would ordinarily deteriorate if they were sterilized by either of the above methods, shall be subjected to sterilization by antiseptic gases. An atmosphere of formaldehyde is suggested.
MANUFACTURE OF PROTECTORS
§ 39.571. Protectors.
(a) Approval of protectors. Protectors of each type to be used shall be submitted to the Board for approval. Protectors which do not meet the specifications and tests set forth in this subchapter shall not be used and the furnishing of substandard materials by manufacturers shall be sufficient cause for the revocation of the certificate of approval covering such protectors.
(b) Design and construction of frames. Protectors shall be substantially constructed and so designed as to permit the replacing of lenses or windows when necessary without the use of tools of special make or design.
(c) Test for corrosion. The effects of corrosion on the metal of the frame and shields shall be judged by immersing a pair of goggles in a boiling aqueous 10% (by weight) solution of sodium chloride for a period of 15 minutes. The frames upon being removed from this solution shall be immediately immersed in a 10% (by weight) aqueous solution of sodium chloride at room temperature. They shall then be removed from this solution and, without wiping off the adhering solution, allowed to dry for 24 hours. The metal parts shall then be rinsed in lukewarm water and allowed to dry. On inspection the surface shall be smooth. Goggles padded with suitable material so that the face is protected from metal contact need not withstand the corrosion test.
§ 39.572. Lenses and windows.
(a) Design. Protectors shall be so designed as to permit replacing the lenses or windows when necessary without the use of tools of special make or design.
(b) Glass lenses and windows. All lenses and windows of protectors shall be of a quality practically free from air bubbles, opalescence, waves, or other injurious defects or flaws. The front and rear surfaces shall be smooth and substantially parallel unless the lens is ground to provide proper optical correction for defective vision. All lenses shall bear some permanent distinctive marking by which the manufacturer, dealer or distributor may be readily identified.
(c) Dimensions of clear glass lenses. Lenses for goggles of types 1 and 2, if round, shall have a diameter of not less than 1 1/2 inches, and if oval, shall not be less than 1 1/2 inches by 1 15/16 inches. For goggles of type 3, round lenses shall have a diamter of not less than 1 1/2 inches and oval lenses shall have a vertical diameter of not less than 1 1/2 inches and a horizontal diameter of not less than 1 3/4 inches. For goggles of type 4, lenses shall not be less than 1 3/4 inches in diameter. Lenses shall transmit at least 80% of the light.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 39.577 (relating to goggle lenses and frames) and 34 Pa. Code § 39.578 (relating to goggle interior construction standards).
§ 39.573. Test for clear glass lenses.
A spherical steel ball 16 grams (0.565 ounces) in weight approximately 1.59 centimeters (0.625 inches) in diameter (weight shall be correct within 20%), shall be dropped once from a height of one meter (39.37 inches) on the center of the horizontal outer surface of the lens when held in a frame. The lens shall be supported by the rim of the frame only, on a rubber washer of 6.5 millimeters (0.25 inches) thick, held upon the top of a board or block of wood. If one out of six lenses that are tested is fractured in such a way that a fragment of glass weighing more than 25 milligrams leaves the bottom surface, four more lenses shall be tested, and if one of these lenses fractures in the manner described above, the lot shall be rejected.
§ 39.574. Lense standards.
(a) Approved-type goggles, hoods, shields, helmets and masks utilizing plastic lenses or windows may be used.
(b) Approval may be granted for each device for specific operations or processes only. For example, a goggle may be approved as a type 3 goggle for groups 1, 2 and 3 operations or processess, as defined in this subchapter). The basis of this approval shall be results of tests such as a drop test, needle penetration test, high velocity impact test, resistance to scratching and heat hazards, chemical tests and optical tests as may be specified by the Department. All tests shall be performed by a recognized testing laboratory.
(c) Goggles, the lenses of which provide the proper optical correction, shall be of sufficient strength to withstand the drop test. Optical corrective lenses shall be made under the direction of the manufacturer of the goggles.
(d) Lenses on helmet windows shall transmit not more than 1.0% radiant energy of any wave length less than 365 millimicrons and not more than 50% of the total radiant energy incident upon them from a 200-watt, gas-filled, tungsten filament, electric incandescent lamp operating as commercially rated (approximately 0.8 watt per spherical candle). Transparent cover pieces shall be provided to protect the lenses and shall be reasonably free from flaws and of uniform thickness.
(e) Lenses or helmet windows shall transmit not more than 1.0% of radiant energy of any wave length less than 405 millimicrons and not more than 1.0% of the visible light and not more than 30% of the total radiant energy incident upon them from a 200-watt, gas-filled, tungsten filament, electric incandescent lamp, operating as commercially rated (approximately 0.8 watt per spherical candle). Transparent cover pieces shall be provided to protect the lenses and shall be reasonably free from flaws and of uniform thickness.
§ 39.575. Windows of masks.
(a) The windows of masks, if separate for the two eyes, shall be not less than 40 mm. (1.57 inches) in diameter and if combined into a single window, they shall be at least 10.8 by 5.1 mm. (4.25 by 2 inches).
(b) Windows shall be securely held and be easily removable. Transparent cover pieces shall be designed to protect these windows, and windows of masks shall be tested by being held in their regular mountings and cooled in water at a temperature of 20°C (68°F) for 15 seconds, then plunged into boiling water 100°C (212°F). The lenses shall withstand this test without cracking.
(c) Windows of shields shall not be less than 10.8 mm. (4.25 inches) in the horizontal direction and not less than 5.1 cm. (100 inches) in the vertical direction, and these windows shall be composed of approved glass or plastic for protection against radiant energy. Transparent cover pieces shall be provided to protect these windows and they shall be reasonably free from flaws and of uniform thickness.
(d) The windows of hoods shall be of clear transparent glass or plastic. This material shall be protected on the outer surface by means of wire gauze of not larger than No. 60 mesh.
(e) Lenses or windows shall be replaced whenever they become scratched, discolored or crazed sufficiently to make them unfit for optical use.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 39.579 (relating to masks); 34 Pa. Code § 39.581 (relating to shields); and 34 Pa. Code § 39.582 (relating to hoods).
§ 39.576. Goggle frames.
(a) Metal frames shall be made of a material that is able to withstand sterilization and which does not readily corrode or discolor the skin. Frames shall have a smooth finish. Each frame shall bear some permanent distinctive marking by which the manufacturer, dealer or distributor may be readily identified. This marking does not apply to goggles now in use.
(b) The frames of types 1 and 2 goggles having either adjustable or rigid bridges shall withstand the tests prescribed in this section and § 39.577 (relating to goggle lenses and frames). The frames of protectors having rigid bridges shall also withstand tests prescribed in subsections (c) and (d).
(c) Each frame tested shall have the right lens frame laid flat, with the outer surface of the lens downward, on a firm level support so that the left lens and half the bridge is allowed to project beyond the edge of the support. A spring balance shall be connected to the outermost portion of the frame of the left lens, and a downward force of 223 grams (8 ounces) shall be applied while the right lens frame is rigidly held. After removal of the load no permanent deformation shall be apparent in the frame.
(d) Each frame tested shall have the right lens frame held vertically in one hand and the lower edge of the left lens frame pressed against one of the platforms of an equal-arm balance having a weight of 1.82 kg. (four pounds) on the other platform. The pressure shall be increased until the weight is balanced, whereupon the frame is removed and examined for bending. After removal of the load no permanent deformation shall be apparent in the frame.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 39.577 (relating to goggle lenses and frames).
§ 39.577. Goggle lenses and frames.
(a) Lenses for goggles of types 1 and 2 shall be made to conform to the specifications as in § 39.572 (relating to lenses and windows) and every frame tested shall withstand without distortion the drop test.
(b) If the lens frames are rigidly joined by a separate bridge or nosepiece the joints shall be given tests to demonstrate their firmness and durability. Goggles which have already passed the strength test in § 39.576 (relating to goggle frames) and subsection (a) shall be used for this purpose. The lens frames with lenses in place shall be gripped one in each hand, the thumbs bearing on the outer surface and the fingers on the inner surface of the lenses at the point where the bridge is attached to the frame. The frames shall then be bent slowly, the direction of motion being in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the lenses until the outer ends of the frames touch. The frames shall then be bent back to their original shape and a careful inspection made for failure in the joints. All frames shall pass this test wih no visible crack evidenced.
(c) If the bridge is constructed with individual members of the bridge in more than one plane parallel to the surface of the lenses, all of the members except those attached to the rims of the lens frames shall be cut in two and the above test applied to the remaining members.
(d) If goggles are provided with side shields, such shields shall be of metal, pliable leather, or collapsible material of suitable durability. The material shall be sufficiently flexible or malleable to permit adjusting to the contour of the face. The edges coming in contact with the skin shall be finished in a manner to prevent cutting the skin. If metal side shields are used, they shall be perforated, each hole not larger than 0.04 inch. If the side shields are of metal or of noncollapsible material, the construction of the goggles shall be such as to permit the folding of the temples so that they may be stored in a case or container. No part shall be composed of quick-burning material.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 39.576 (relating to goggle frames).
§ 39.578. Goggle interior construction standards.
(a) Temples shall be made of a material that withstands sterilization and does not readily corrode nor discolor the skin. Ear hooks for temples shall be flexible, properly bent to fit the ear, and finished or covered so as not to cut or irritate the skin. If a covering is used, it shall extend for half the length of the temples and be of a material which does not readily deteriorate in service. Temples shall be fastened to the frame with a screw or rivet in addition to the one which holds the lens in place. Temples shall fold over the lens when stored. No part shall be composed of quick-burning material.
(b) Short temples may be substituted for regular temples. They shall be made of a material that does not readily corrode or discolor the skin, and shall be attached to the frame in the same manner as, and be interchangeable with, the regular temples. A headband shall be fastened to the outer ends of the short temples and shall be adjustable as to length and easily replaceable. No part shall be composed of quick-burning material.
(c) In lieu of regular temples or short temples a headband or headgear shall be supplied of any suitable material and design that properly retains the goggles in position and affords comfort and protection to the wearer. Such headgear shall be adjustable as to size or shall be supplied in properly assorted sizes. No part shall be composed of quick burning material.
(d) Nose pieces, bridges, or connecting links between lens frames shall have the portions that come in contact with the skin of a material that do not readily corrode and do not discolor the skin. The construction shall be substantial and the nose piece, bridge or connecting link shall be securely fastened to the lens frames. If the weight of the goggles is borne by the bridge or nosepiece resting on the crest or sides of the nose of the wearer, such portions of the goggles shall afford comfortable bearing surfaces. The nosepiece, bridge, or connecting link shall be constructed so as to be readily adjustable, or the goggles shall be furnished in assorted sizes. No part shall be composed of quick-burning material.
(e) Eyecups shall be made of metal or of fiber or of other substantial material which withstand sterilization, shaped to fit the configuration of the face and shall be constructed so as to afford adequate ventilation. Parts touching the face shall be made of heat-insulating material and shall be properly edged to prevent cutting the face. The eyecup shall be flexibly connected with a coupling which permit ready adjustment; otherwise goggles shall be furnished in assorted sizes. The coupling or center piece shall be covered with or made of heat-insulating material which withstands sterilization and which may be readily renewed. Goggles shall be supplied with a headband or headgear of any suitable material and design so as to retain the goggles in their proper position. Each pair of goggles shall bear some permanent distinctive marking by which the source may be readily identified. No part shall be composed of quick-burning material.
(f) Lenses for goggles of type 3 shall be made to conform to the specifications set forth in § 39.572 (relating to lenses and windows).
§ 39.579. Masks.
(a) Masks shall be composed of vulcanized rubber, fiber, metal or equivalent material, which withstand sterilization, formed so as to protect the face of the operator above the mouth. Masks shall be supplied with a headband or headgear of any suitable design and material to retain the mask in proper position. Masks made of woven wire shall have openings not greater than 0.0295 inch (0.75 mm) fiber or equivalent material, which withstands sterilization. They shall bear a permanent and distinctive marking by which the manufacturer, dealer or distributor may be readily identified. No part shall be composed of quick-burning material.
(b) For use in electric arc welding the masks shall be constructed so as to be at least three inches from the eyes of the wearer and shall be of nonconductive material.
(c) Windows shall be made to conform to the specifications and tests in § 39.575 (relating to windows of masks).
§ 39.580. Helmets.
(a) Helmets shall bear some permanent distinctive marking by which the source may be readily identified. They shall be capable of withstanding sterilization.
(b) Helmets shall be of such size and so shaped that they protect the face from direct radiant energy.
(c) They shall be arranged so as to rest on the shoulders or chests, or they may be arranged so that they may be slipped back over the head of the operator when not in use.
(d) The weight of helmets that are arranged to be carried by the head of the operator shall not exceed 690 grams (24 ounces).
§ 39.581. Shields.
(a) Shields shall bear some permanent distinctive marking by which they may be readily identified. They shall be capable of withstanding sterilization.
(b) Shields shall be made of material which is a nonconductor of heat and electricity.
(c) Windows shall be made to conform to the specification in § 39.575 (relating to windows of masks).
(d) The shield shall be so formed that it fully protects the face of the operator and curve back on each side beyond the ears. The shield may be pivotally mounted on an adjustable headgear, so arranged that it may be tipped back or over the head of the operator when not in use. If shall be so mounted as to be not less than 2 inches (5.1 cm.) from the eyes.
(e) The face protector may consist of a shield of opaque material which is a nonconductor of heat and electricity arranged to be held in the hand. It shall be of such size and so shaped that it protects the face from all direct radiant energy and shall be provided with an opening fitted to carry windows, single or multiple.
§ 39.582. Hoods.
(a) Hoods shall be designed to cover the head and neck completely so as to effectively exclude dust and small particles.
(b) Windows shall conform to the specifications in § 39.575 (relating to windows of masks).
(c) Ventilation shall be secured from an external source of air, conducted to the operator by means of a hose. The air pressure shall be so reduced and the distribution of the air within the helmet shall be such that the employe is not subjected to physical discomfort during, or as a result of, his work.
(d) A separator trap shall be provided in the air line for the removal of oil, water and scale.
§ 39.583. List of occupations requiring protectors.
Persons engaging in any of the following occupations shall use protectors as prescribed for these occupations, or other approved equally effective protection shall be provided:
Name of Occupation Type of Protector Oxyacetylene and other compressed gas welding and burning Type 3 goggles with suitable glass Chipping Types 2 and 3 goggles Electric arc welding Type 3 goggles with suitable glass and helmets with suitable glass Electric welding Type 3 goggles with suitable glass Grinding wheel dressing and rough emery Types 2 and 3 goggles Iron tapping at cupola Types 3 and 4 goggles Sand and shot blasting Hood Thermit welding Type 3 goggles with suitable glass Operating cement guns Hood § 39.584. Respirators.
(a) Respirators shall be of approved types. They shall be classified as follows according to the hazard they are designed to protect against, such as dust, fumes and mist or other atmospheric particulate matter:
(1) Type A. Mechanically generated dusts resulting principally from the disintegration of a solid, such as the dust clouds produced in the various processes of mining, quarrying, and tunneling and the various industrial operations of grinding, crushing and general processing of minerals.
(2) Type B. Fumes of various metals (usually their chemical compounds, as oxides or carbonates), such as lead, mercury (except mercury vapor), manganese, copper, chromium, iron, cadmium, zinc, magnesium, aluminum, antimony and arsenic resulting from sublimation or the condensation of their vapor, or from the chemical reactions between their vapor and gases.
(3) Type C. Mists as produced by spray coating with paint and vitreous enamels, chromic acid mist as produced in chromium plating, and other mists of materials whose liquid vehicle does not produce harmful gases or vapors.
(4) Types AB, AC, and the like. Combinations of the preceding types.
(5) Type D. Combinations to include all of the preceding types.
(b) In addition to the types listed in this section, respirators for protection against a single substance of any of the above types of suspensions shall be approved as suitable for that substance.
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