U.S. Department of Labor
	Occupational Safety & Health Administration
	www.osha.gov		[skip navigational links]	Search	Advanced Search | A-Z Index

Standard Interpretations 02/13/1989 - The ENCON/FT-Collection meets the intent of the OSHA eye and face protection standard.

Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents

• Standard Number:

1910.133(b)(2)

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 http://www.osha.gov. February 13, 1989 Mr. Gerry R. Wells Product Manager - Eye Protection Encon Safety Products P.O. Box 3826 Houston, Texas 77253 Dear Mr. Wells: This is in response to your letter of October 11, 1988, requesting Consideration of the Encon Tuff-Spec 1900 FT-Collection safety spectacles, 1910 S/B, 1910 S/R, 1910 S/P, 1910 S/O, and 1910 S/Y, all with clear fronts, and temples with blue, red, purple, orange and yellow respectively, as meeting the intent or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) eye and race protection standard. The Tuff-Spec is identified by: 1) the silhouette of a rhinoceros on the left temple; and 2) "ENCON/1900" molded into the right temple. OSHA's standards at [29 CFR 1910.133(b)(2)] provide that ["Eye and face protective devices purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI 'USA standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection,' Z87.1-1968, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective."] The referenced ANSI standard, however, states in paragraph 2 that "Variations from the requirements of this standard may be granted by the authority having jurisdiction only when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administrative agency that equivalent protection is afforded." On the basis of the information which you have presented to us, OSHA has determined that the ENCON/FT-Collection, as identified above, does provide protection equivalent to that provided by eye protection which meets all the requirements of ANSI Z87.1-1968. Therefore, OSHA would consider employers using this product to be in compliance with [29 CFR 1910.133(b)(2)] and such employers would not be cited, if this equipment was being used and maintained properly. It is extremely, important, however, that the safety spectacle continue to be permanently marked "ENCON/1900," since this allows employers, employees and our compliance personnel to distinguish it from other types of protective eyewear, In addition, any appropriate warnings and/or instructions relative to usage must be made available on the packaging box and with the instructions supplied with the product, and must be such that they will reach the end user (the worker). Otherwise, employees could mistakenly use eyewear providing insufficient protection. If we may be of further assistance, please let us know. Sincerely, Thomas J. Shepich, Director [Directorate of Enforcement Programs] [Corrected 05/28/2004]

Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents

Back to Top	www.osha.gov	www.dol.gov
Contact Us | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey Privacy and Security Statement | Disclaimers
Occupational Safety & Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210