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Eye and face protection regulations are essential for protecting workers from workplace hazards that cannot be mitigated through engineering or administrative controls. This category of PPE includes safety goggles, face shields, and welding helmets designed to minimize exposure to risks such as flying debris, chemical splashes, radiant energy, and harmful light. These regulations require employers to assess workplace hazards, provide appropriate protective equipment, and ensure workers are trained in its proper use, maintenance, and storage. While overarching principles are shared across Canada, specific requirements vary by province and territory, reflecting local safety standards and priorities. Adherence to eye and face protection regulations is critical for preventing injuries, safeguarding worker health, and maintaining safe work environments.
Under the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1910.133, employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to shield workers from hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids, caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapours, and potentially harmful light radiation. The regulations mandate hazard assessments to determine the necessity of protection, proper selection of equipment to address identified risks, and training for workers in its correct use and maintenance.
Eye and Face Protection.
(a) General requirements
(1) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapours, or potentially injurious light radiation.
(2) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable.
(3) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.
(4) Eye and face PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer.
(5) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from injurious light radiation.
(b) Criteria for protective eye and face protection
(1) Protective eye and face protection devices must comply with any of the following consensus standards:
(i) ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, incorporated by reference in 1910.6;
(ii) ANSI Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, incorporated by reference in 1910.6; or
(iii) ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998), Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, incorporated by reference in 1910.6;
(2) Protective eye and face protection devices that the employer demonstrates are at least as effective as protective eye and face protection devices that are constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section. Section 1910.133.
Further details on the Code of Federal Regulations can be found at Ecfr.gov.
Under Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 18: Personal Protective Equipment (Sections 229 to 231), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of eye and face protection to prevent injuries from workplace hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and radiant energy. These regulations mandate that protective equipment be selected based on a hazard assessment, meet specified safety standards, and be maintained in good working condition.
Eye Protection - Eye and Face Protectors
If a worker’s eyes may be injured or irritated at a work site, an employer must ensure that the worker wears personal protective equipment to protect the eyes that is
(a) is approved to CSA Standard Z94.3‑15, Eye and face protectors, and
(b) is appropriate to the work being done and the hazard involved. Section 229(1).
Prescription eyewear may be worn if it
(a) is personal protective equipment to protect the eyes,
(b) meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3‑15, Eye and face protectors,
and
(c) is appropriate to the work and the hazard involved. Section 229(2).
Prescription personal protective equipment to protect the eyes having glass lenses must not be used if there is danger of impact unless it is worn behind equipment meeting the requirements of subsection (1). Section 229(2.1).
If the use of plastic prescription lenses is impracticable, and there is no danger of impact, a worker may use lenses made of treated safety glass meeting the requirements of
(a) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, or
(b) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. Section 229(2.2).
Despite subsection (2), prescription personal protective equipment to protect the eyes may consist of frames that meet the requirements of ANSI Standard Z87.1‑2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices provided the lenses meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3‑15, Eye and face protectors. Section 229(2.3).
If a worker must wear full face piece respiratory protective equipment and the face piece is intended to prevent materials striking the eyes, an employer must ensure that the face piece
(a) meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3‑15, Eye and face protectors, or
(b) meets the impact and penetration test requirements of section 9 of
(i) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, or
(ii) ANSI Standard Z87.1‑1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. Section 229(3).
Contact lenses
An employer must ensure that, if wearing contact lenses poses a hazard to the worker’s eyes during work, the worker is advised of the hazards and the alternatives to wearing contact lenses. Section 230.
Electric arc welding
A worker must not perform electric arc welding if it is reasonably possible for another worker to be exposed to radiation from the arc unless the other worker is wearing suitable personal protective equipment to protect the eyes or is protected by a screen. Section 231.
Further details on the Occupational Health And Safety Code can be found at Alberta.ca.
Under British Columbia's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 8: Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (Sections 8.14 to 8.18), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to safeguard workers from hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and harmful radiation. These regulations mandate that eye and face protection be selected based on a thorough hazard assessment and comply with recognized safety standards.
Eye and Face Protection - Safety Eyewear
(1) A worker must wear properly fitting safety eyewear appropriate to the conditions of the workplace if handling or exposed to materials which are likely to injure or irritate the eyes.
(2) Properly fitting safety eyewear appropriate to the conditions of the workplace must be worn if a worker
(a) has 20/200 or less vision in either eye, or is blind in either eye, or
(b) is working on or testing electrical equipment energized at a potential greater than 30 volts. Section 8.14.
Prescription safety eyewear
(1) Prescription safety eyewear must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.3-92, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors.
(2) Bifocal and trifocal glass lenses must not be used if there is danger of impact unless they are worn behind impact rated goggles or other eye protection acceptable to the Board.
(3) If the use of polycarbonate or plastic prescription lenses is impracticable, due to the conditions of the workplace, and there is no danger of impact, workers may use prescription lenses made of treated safety glass meeting the requirements of ANSI Standard Z87.1-1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. Section 8.15(1) to (3).
Side shields
Safety eyewear must be fitted with side shields when necessary for the safety of a worker. Section 8.16.
Face protection
(1) If there is a risk of face injury, suitable face protection must be worn.
(2) Face protectors and non prescription safety eyewear must meet the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.3-92, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors, or
(b) ANSI Standard Z87.1-1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. Section 8.17.
Contact lenses
Adequate precautions must be taken if a hazardous substance or condition may adversely affect a worker wearing contact lenses. Section 8.18.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation can be found at BClaws.gov.bc.ca.
Under Manitoba's Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation, Part 6: Personal Protective Equipment (Section 6.13), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of eye and face protection to guard against workplace hazards such as chemical splashes, flying debris, and radiant energy. These regulations require employers to conduct hazard assessments to determine appropriate protective equipment, ensure that the equipment meets safety standards, and provide training to workers on its proper use, maintenance, and limitations.
Eye and face protectors
(1) An employer must provide a worker an eye or face protector that meets the requirements of CSA Z94.3-15, Eye and Face Protectors and CSA Z94.3.1-16, Guideline for selection, use, and care of eye and face protectors, and that is appropriate for the risk, if there is a risk of irritation or injury to the worker’s face or eyes from
(a) flying objects or particles;
(b) splashing liquids or molten metal;
(c) ultraviolet, visible or infrared radiation; or
(d) any other material, substance or matter. Section 6.13(1).
(2) For certainty, prescription lenses or prescription eyewear are not included as eye protectors under this section. Section 6.13(2).
Further details on the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation can be found at Gov.MB.ca.
Under New Brunswick's Regulation 91-191 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part VII: Protective Equipment (Sections 38 and 39), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to safeguard workers from hazards such as chemical splashes, flying debris, and radiant energy. These regulations mandate that protective equipment be selected based on a hazard assessment, meet established safety standards, and be properly maintained. Employers must also ensure that workers receive training on the correct use, care, and limitations of the equipment to ensure effective protection and compliance with workplace safety requirements.
Part VII Protective Equipment
General – Duty to supply, train and use
Where protective equipment is required to be used by an employee under this Regulation, an employer shall provide the protective equipment required and shall ensure that the employee is instructed and trained on how to use, care, and inspect the protective equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Section 38(1).
Eye, face, ears, or neck protection
Where an employee is exposed to a hazard that may irritate or injure the eyes, face, ears or front of the neck, the employee shall use protective equipment that is appropriate to the hazard and that conforms to CSA standard CSA Z94.3-15, “Eye and face protectors” or a standard offering equivalent or better protection. Section 39.
Further details on the Regulation 91-191 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Laws.gnb.ca.
Under Newfoundland and Labrador's Regulation 5/12, Part VII: Personal Protective Equipment (Sections 75 to 77), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to prevent injuries caused by workplace hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and radiant energy. These regulations mandate that employers conduct hazard assessments, select protective equipment that meets safety standards, and ensure that it is properly maintained and used correctly.
Eye and face protection
Where a worker handles or is exposed to materials or conditions that are likely to injure or irritate the eye or face, an employer shall ensure that the worker wears properly fitting face and eye protection appropriate to the conditions of the workplace and in accordance with the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z94.3 "Industrial Eye and Face Protectors". Section 75.
Prescription safety eyewear
(1) Prescription safety eyewear shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z94.3 "Industrial Eye and Face Protectors".
(2) Bifocal and trifocal glass lenses shall not be used where there is a danger of impact unless the lenses are worn behind impact-rated goggles or other eye protection acceptable to the minister.
(3) Where the use of polycarbonate or plastic prescription lenses is impracticable due to the conditions of the workplace and there is no danger of impact, a worker may use prescription lenses made of treated safety glass meeting the requirements of ANSI Standard Z87.1 "Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protections". Section 76(1) to (3).
Contact lenses
Adequate precautions shall be taken where a hazardous substance or condition may adversely affect a worker wearing contact lenses. Section 77.
Further details on the Newfoundland and Labrador's Regulation 5/12 can be found at Assembly.nl.ca.
Under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 3: Personal Protective Equipment (Sections 9 and 10), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to protect workers from hazards such as chemical splashes, flying debris, and harmful light radiation. These regulations mandate that employers conduct hazard assessments, select suitable protective equipment, and ensure that it meets safety standards. Employers must also ensure that workers are properly trained in the use, maintenance, and limitations of the protective equipment to ensure its effectiveness in preventing injuries and safeguarding worker health and safety.
Part 3 - Personal Protective Equipment - Use of Personal Protective Equipment
(1) An employer shall ensure that adequate personal protective equipment or devices required for an assigned task are used, based on
(a) the nature of the task;
(b) the location and conditions of the workplace; and
(c) any hazards that may affect the health and safety of persons in the workplace.
(2) Where personal protective equipment or devices are required under the Act or these regulations, an employer shall ensure that
(a) an employee receives adequate training in the proper use and care of the personal protective equipment or devices; and
(b) an employee wears or uses the personal protective equipment or devices in accordance with the instruction and training provided.
(3) An employer shall ensure that all personal protective equipment or devices required under the Act or these regulations are
(a) maintained by a competent person; and
(b) tested or visually inspected before each use, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
(4) Where a person identifies any defect in personal protective equipment or devices that may impair the adequacy of the equipment or devices, the employer shall ensure that the personal protective equipment or devices are not used until they are repaired. Section 9(1) to (4).
Hazard to eyes, face, or neck
(1) Where a person is exposed to a hazard that may irritate or injure the eyes, face, or front of the neck, an employer shall ensure that protective equipment is worn that is appropriate to the hazard and that complies with CSA standard CSA Z94.3, “Industrial Eye and Face Protectors”.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if a person operating a chain saw is wearing adequate face protection as a substitute for the protective equipment referred to in subsection (1). Section 10(1)(2).
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Novascotia.ca.
Under the Northwest Territories Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 7: Personal Protective Equipment (Section 97), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to safeguard workers from hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and radiation energy. These regulations require employers to assess workplace risks, select suitable protective equipment based on identified hazards, and ensure that the equipment meets safety standards.
Eye and Face Protection
(1) If there is a risk of irritation or injury to the face or eyes of a worker from flying objects or particles, splashing liquids, molten metal or ultraviolet, visible or infrared radiation, an employer shall provide and require the worker to use an approved industrial eye protector or approved face protector to eliminate or reduce the risk.
(2) An employer shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a worker does not perform electric arc welding if another worker could be exposed to radiation from the arc, unless the other worker is using an approved industrial eye protector or is protected from the radiation by an approved screen.
(3) A worker shall not perform electric arc welding if another worker could be exposed to radiation from the arc, unless the other worker is using an approved industrial eye protector or is protected from the radiation by an approved screen.
(4) A worker who is required by these regulations to use an industrial eye protector or face protector shall not wear contact lenses. Section 97(1) to (4).
Further details on the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Canlii.org.
While Ontario does not have specific regulations for eye and face protection, the Occupational Health and Safety Act includes applicable provisions that support worker safety. Section 25(1)(b) mandates that employers maintain equipment in good condition, Section 25(2)(a) requires employers to provide information and instruction to workers, Section 25(2)(d) ensures workers are made aware of hazards they may face, and Section 25(2)(h) emphasizes the obligation to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers. Additionally, under O. Reg. 213/91 - Part II - General Construction, Sections 21 and 24, employers are required to ensure that appropriate protective equipment is provided and maintained for construction workers, which includes eye and face protection.
Duties of employers
(1) An employer shall ensure that,
(b) the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are maintained in good condition;
(2) Without limiting the strict duty imposed by subsection (1), an employer shall,
(a) provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker;
(d) acquaint a worker or a person in authority over a worker with any hazard in the work and in the handling, storage, use, disposal, and transport of any article, device, equipment, or a biological, chemical, or physical agent;
(h) take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker; Section 25 (1)(2).
Protective Clothing, Equipment and Devices
(1) A worker shall wear such protective clothing and use such personal protective equipment or devices as are necessary to protect the worker against the hazards to which the worker may be exposed.
(2) A worker’s employer shall require the worker to comply with subsection (1).
(3) A worker required to wear protective clothing or use personal protective equipment or devices shall be adequately instructed and trained in the care and use of the clothing, equipment or device before wearing or using it.
(4) Personal protective clothing and equipment that is provided, worn or used shall be a proper fit, having regard to all relevant factors including body types. Section 21(1) to (4).
A worker shall use protection appropriate in the circumstances when there is a risk of eye injury to the worker. Section 24.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and O. Reg. 213/91 can be found at Ontario.ca/laws and Ontario.ca.
Under Prince Edward Island's Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations, Part 45: Personal Protective Equipment (Sections 45.2 to 45.4 and 45.7 to 45.12), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to safeguard workers from hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and harmful radiation. These regulations mandate that employers conduct hazard assessments, select suitable protective equipment based on identified risks, and ensure that the equipment meets safety standards.
Maintenance
The employer shall ensure that personal protective equipment is maintained in good condition. Section 45.2.
Instruction
Every employer shall ensure that every worker who is required to use personal protective equipment shall be given pre-job instruction by the employer to understand its use, its limitations, and its maintenance requirements, as far as these relate to its correct use by the worker. Section 45.3.
Testing
A worker wearing or using personal protective equipment shall test the equipment before each use and shall not wear or use any equipment the worker has reason to believe is defective. Section 45.4.
Eye and Face Protection
Standard eye protection
The employer shall ensure that a worker exposed to a hazard which could irritate or injure the eyes or face wears protection appropriate to the hazard and which meets the standards and specifications of CSA Standard Z94.3-15, Eye and Face Protectors, or a standard offering equivalent protection. Section 45.7.
Obligation of employer
The employer shall ensure that a worker who has 20/200 vision in either eye, or is blind in either eye, wears eye protection as required by section 45.7. Section 45.8.
Contact lenses
When a worker intends to wear contact lenses at his place of employment, he shall immediately notify the employer. Section 45.9.
The employer shall ensure that no worker shall wear contact lenses where (a) gases, vapours, or other materials are present which when absorbed by contact lenses may harm the eyes; or
(b) dusts or other materials are present which may harm the eyes or cause distraction which may expose the worker to other injury. Section 45.10.
A worker shall not wear contact lenses while welding. Section 45.11.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations can be found at Princeedwardisland.ca.
Under Québec's Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety, Division XXX: Means and Equipment for Individual and Group Protection (Sections 338, 339, and 343), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to safeguard workers from hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and radioactive energy. These regulations mandate that employers assess workplace risks, select protective equipment that meets safety standards, and ensure that workers are trained in its proper use, maintenance, and limitations.
Division XXX – Means and Equipment for Individual and Group Protection
Employer’s obligations: The employer shall provide the worker free-of-charge with the individual or collective means and equipment required under this Regulation and ensure that the workers have received the information necessary for using those means and equipment. Section 338.
Worker’s obligations: The worker shall wear or use, as the case may be, the individual or collective protective means and equipment required under this Regulation. Section 339.
Eye and face protectors: The wearing of an eye protector or a face protector acquired on or after 5 May 2011 and complying with the CAN/CSA Z94.3 Eye and Face Protectors standard is mandatory for any worker who is exposed to a danger that may cause injury to his eyes or face by:
(1) particles or objects;
(2) dangerous substances or molten metals;
(3) intense radiation.
However, protectors in good condition and complying with the CAN/CSA Z94.3-92, CAN/CSA Z94.3-99 or CAN/CSA Z94.3-02 standard are considered to offer adequate protection.
An eye protector or a face protector complies with the requirements of this section if it meets the most recent version or the previous version of the standard referred to in the first paragraph and if it has not reached the expiry date provided for by the manufacturer, where applicable. Section 343.
Further details on the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety can be found at Legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca.
Under Saskatchewan's Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 7: Personal Protective Equipment (Section 7-8), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to safeguard workers from hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and harmful radiation. These regulations mandate employers assess workplace risks, select protective equipment based on identified hazards, and ensure the equipment meets recognized safety standards.
Eye and face protectors
(1) If there is a risk of irritation or injury to the face or eyes of a worker from flying objects or particles, splashing liquids, molten metal or ultraviolet, visible or infrared radiation, an employer or contractor shall provide industrial eye or face protectors and require the worker to use them.
(2) If an industrial eye or face protector is required by these regulations to be provided or used, the industrial eye or face protector must be approved.
(3) An employer or contractor shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a worker does not perform electric arc welding if another worker may be exposed to radiation from the arc, unless the other worker is using a suitable industrial eye protector or is protected from the radiation by a suitable screen.
(4) A worker shall not perform electric arc welding if another worker may be exposed to radiation from the arc, unless the other worker is using a suitable industrial eye protector or is protected from the radiation by a suitable screen. Section 7‑8(1) to (4).
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Saskatchewan.ca.
Under the Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation (WSC) Regulations, Part 1: General (Sections 1.22 to 1.24), employers are required to provide and enforce the use of appropriate eye and face protection to safeguard workers from hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, and radiant energy. These regulations mandate that employers assess workplace risks, select suitable protective equipment based on identified hazards, and ensure that the equipment meets recognized safety standards.
Protective Equipment and Clothing – Eye and Face
Provision and requirements for use
A worker shall be required to wear properly fitting safety eyewear, goggles, face shields, side shields, glasses, or other such protective items provided by the employer and appropriate to the workplace conditions where the worker
(a) handles, uses, or is exposed to materials or substances that may injure the eyes,
(b) is engaged in or is around work or processes where objects or particles may fly, be thrown about or otherwise cause danger of impact with the eyes,
(c) is exposed to excessive light, heat rays, electric arcs, or similar hazards,
(d) has 20/200 or less vision in either eye or is blind in either eye,
(e) is working on or testing energized electrical equipment, or
(f) is working with laser beams. Section 1.22.
Standards
Face protectors, prescription and non-prescription safety eyewear shall meet the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard Z94.3-02, Eye and Face Protectors,
(b) ANSI Standard Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, or
(c) other similar standards acceptable to the board. Section 1.23.
The worker as described in 1.22 shall ensure that
Limited vision
(a) the employer is notified when the worker wears contact lenses, has 20/200 vision or less in either eye, or is blind in either eye,
Use of prescription safety eyewear
(b) prescription safety eyewear meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3-02, Eye and Face Protectors, or other similar standard acceptable to the board,
(c) adequate precautions are taken if a hazardous substance or condition may adversely affect the worker when wearing contact lenses,
Bifocal, trifocal
(d) bifocal and trifocal glass lenses are not worn if there is a danger of impact, unless they are worn behind impact rated eye protection, and
Polycarbonate lenses
(e) where the use of polycarbonate or plastic prescription lenses is not practicable due to conditions present at the workplace and there is no danger of impact, prescription lenses made of treated safety glass meet the requirements of the following standard
- ANSI Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, or
- other similar standards acceptable to the board. Section 1.24.
Further details on the Workers' Safety and Compensation (WSC) Regulations can be found at Wcb.yk.ca.
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