PRO 4.3 OSHA Instruction October 30,1978

OSHA ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIVE

To: National Office Executive Staff, Division Chiefs, Regional, Administrators, Area Directors, and CSHO's

Subject: Procurement of Safety Glasses and Safety Shoes

Attachments: 1. Procurement Procedures 2. SF 1034

1. Purpose. To implement policies, standards, and procedures for the procurement of safety glasses, safety shoes, *and caulked logging boots.*

2. Explanation. Certain OSHA personnel are required, in the course of their assigned duties, to enter designated "eye hazardous" or "foot hazardous" areas. For their protection, and to set a proper example for others, when entering these areas the appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn. To ensure their meeting DOL safety requirements, and in order to obtain prompt reimbursement, the equipment shall be purchased following the policies, standards and procedures described below.

3. Safety Glasses.

a. Justification: The individual will prepare a "Statement of Justification" in which his need for the safety glasses and any modifications to them is demonstrated.

(1) A major criterion for the supervisor's approval of an individual's request is that the safety glasses are required to perform routine work assignments. OSHA personnel regularly assigned to office duties should justify in their statement why available field office equipment (e.g. , "plano" glasses and safety goggles) cannot be used.

NOTE: Asterisks precede and follow changes.

OSHA PRO 4.3 OSHA Instruction October 30

(3) Tinted lenses will not be allowed unless specifically required as a part of the prescription eye correction (i.e., the individual has a specified eye defect or weakness), or required by the individual's working condition, e.g., entering hazardous areas in which welding occurs.

b. General Policy.

(1) Employee's reimbursement for the purchase of safety glasses cannot exceed $65.

(2) In order to obtain reimbursement, an individual requiring prescription safety glasses will be required to submit to his immediate supervisor a lenses prescription issued within the last year. The individual must have his eye examination performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist at no expense to the Government.

(3) Safety glasses will be replaced or repaired when determined necessary by the individual's immediate supervisor.

c. Standards. Occupational and Educational Eye Protection ANSI-Z87.1 requirements must be met:

(1) Safety spectacles require special frames. Safety lenses meeting this standard in combination with street-wear frames are not acceptable. Frames must bear the manufacturer's identification trademark on both fronts and temple. See ANSI-Z87.1 for detailed requirements.

(2) Lenses must be 3 millimeters thick and distinctly etched with the manufacturer's monogram. The marking must be placed so as not to interfere with the wearer's vision.

(3) Tinting, if required, should be in accordance with ANSI-Z87.1 requirements and be a shade appropriate to the "eye hazardous" areas to be entered. Each lens must be marked with the shade designation.

(4) Glass lenses must be marked with the letter "H" to indicate treatment for impact resistance.

OSHA Instruction October 30, 1978 PRO 4.3

d. Procedures. See Attachment 1 for procedures to be followed when procuring safety glasses.

4. Safety Shoes *and Caulked Logging Boots.*

a. Justification: The individual will prepare a "Statement of Justification" in which his need for the safety shoes *or caulked logging boots* is demonstrated. A major criterion for the supervisor's approval of an individual's request is that the safety shoes *or caulked logging boots* are required to perform routine work assignments. OSHA personnel regularly assigned to office duties should justify why available field office equipment cannot be used.

b. General Policy.

(1) The regional safety representative will determine the types of protective footwear to be worn in "foot hazardous" areas.

(2) Authorized employees are initially entitled to the purchase of two pairs of safety shoes *and/or one pair of caulked logging boots* at agency expense. Thereafter, each authorized employee is entitled to the reimbursement purchase of only one pair of safety shoes in any twelve month period *or one pair of caulked logging boots in any 36 months period.* Maximum reimbursement is limited to *40.00* for each pair of safety shoes *or $150 for a pair of caulked logging boots.*

(3) Repair and maintenance will be the individual's responsibility.

c. Standards. ANSI Z41.1 Standards for Men's Safety Toe Footwear must be met: At least one of each pair of shoes must be clearly and legibly stamped: "USAS" followed by the designation "Z41.1-1967/75" or "Z41.1-1967/30" depending on the results of the impact and compression testing. The stamp may be placed on the inside quarter, or shank of the insole, or tongue.

Example:

USAS Z41.1-1967/75

OSHA Instruction PRO 4.3 October 30, 1978

d. Procedures. See Attachment 1 for procedures to be followed when procuring safety shoes *or caulked logging boots.*

*5. Scope. The procedures described in Attachment (1) will also be followed when procuring other personal protective equipment required in accordance with field manuals.* 6. Action. All OSHA employees will comply with the policy, standards, and procedures described by this directive.

7. Filing Instructions. Retain this directive until further notice.

John W. Ready Deputy Director Administrative Programs

Administrative Programs

DISTRIBUTION: A-1, B-2, C-2, D-4&5, E-2

Originator: OAAM

Attachment #1 OSHA Administrative Directive #PRO 4.3

1. Procedures to request and obtain reimbursement for personal protective equipment.

a. The employee prepares a "Statement of Justification" and forwards it to the immediate supervisor.

b. The immediate supervisor reviews the statement. If approval is granted, the immediate supervisor signs the "Statement of Justification" and returns it to the employee.

c. The employee obtains the personal protective equipment and returns to the supervisor:

(1) SF 1034 (Public Voucher for Purchases and Services other than Personal),

d. The supervisor confirms that the policies and standards applicable to the protective equipment are met. That official then forwards SF 1034 and the "Statement of Justification" to the Management Officer (or at the National Office level to the Office of Financial Management) for requestor's reimbursement action.