- Standard Number:
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
November 14, 1979
| MEMORANDUM FOR: | GILBERT J. SAULTER REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR, REGION VI |
| ATTENTION: | Herbert M. Kurtz Assistant Regional Administrator for Technical Support |
| THRU: | ROGER CLARK Acting Field Coordinator |
| FROM: | GROVER C. WRENN Director, Federal Compliance and State Programs |
| SUBJECT: | Photochromatic/Phototropic (Variable Tint) Lenses in Safety Eye Wear. |
Any lens that dose not pass the drop test as required by ANSI Z87.1-1968 is in violation of 29 CFR 1910.133 and shall be cited as an alleged violation. However, the new Z87.1-1979 version in Article 6.3.3.3.4 addresses the variable tint lens (copy enclosed) forbidding its use indoors entirely and allowing its use outdoors in the absence of hazardous ultraviolet or infrared radiation.
The variable tint lenses do not meet the requirements of the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye Face Protection, Z87.1-1968, referenced in 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(6), and 29 CFR 1926.102(a)(2) in at least one important respect, viz. they can not be assigned a Z87.1 shade (tint) designation due to their constant change in depth of tint (shade). The lenses would also have to meet the detailed requirements in Article 6.3.3 of lens thickness, marking, transmittances of ultraviolet and infrared radiations, and lens strength.
In regard to establishing a de minimis violation, the Field Operation Manual, Chapter VIII and the OSHA Instruction CPL 2 11A (formally identified as Program Directive 200-67, Revision 1) provide the appropriate guidelines. In this regard, due consideration should be given to the outdoor use permitted by Z87.1-1979, provided there is no ultraviolet or infrared hazard.