Are sunglasses ppe

At Chevron San Jose back around 2007 I was told to park my truck and come inside after getting my BOL. They were going to lock me out for wearing sunglasses on the rack. I smiled because I'd already checked the saftey book for any rules against sunglasses and made dang sure the sunglasses had the correct ANSI saftey numbers stamped into the frame. I think the operations guy was annoyed that the terminal manager said I hadn't violated any rules and wasn't in trouble. It took about a week or two after that for all the other day shift drivers to get a pair of safety sunglasses too.

 

Nothing better than making the safety critter look silly with that Z87 stamp

 

What are these Z87’s you speak of? I might need a pair. Years ago I stopped wearing sunglasses, because of a so called expert discussion I heard on the subject. The conclusion was it’s better in the long run to squint. Evidence today proves them wrong. I stopped wearing hats too, and still went bald. I need both now, to hide all my wrinkles and bald head.

 

Z87 is the ANSI(?) standard for safety rated eyewear, its the same as the typical clear shatter restant safety glasses most places require. Go search amazon or wherever for "tinted Z87" and you will find numerous options.

 

Cliffs Cleveland turned a friend away for tinted safety glasses

 

Yet more than one 'expert' giving a seminar mentioned that tinted safety eye wear [side shields] was the best way to get everyone wearing their glasses. I had slip on side guards I had been given at a plant on my Ray Bans and was never questioned at any chem plant.

 

Growing up playing sports then working outside as i got older.. Just generally living in the southwest. I dont even walk outside to check the mail without sunglasses on. I cant think of a day in the last 15+ years where i didnt wear sunglasses.. Havent seen any bad side effects.. If anything it has helped keeep my eyes with good vision

 

If they are ANSI Z87 rated it would be part of your PPE. If it is not you cannot use it for PPE.

 

For sunglasses to be qualified as safety glasses, they have to have "Z87" on them. I've had the safety man check before. Most places won't allow you to wear tinted safety glasses or sunglasses (even if they are Z87) if you are inside. Outside I've never had a problem with anything as long as it was Z87.

Z87 means it meets the shatter requirements and it also blocks UV rays. Even the clear Z87 safety glasses will bock UV rays, which means with them on you can look at a guy welding, and while the bight light will annoy you, your eyes won't get "burnt" from the UV rays of the welding arc.

I've gotten where I only wear polarized glasses for sunglasses, they block the bright light from the sun and eliminates glare, but also allows you to see fairly well in low light conditions. I usually wear a pair or Milwaukee brand, they fit nice and seem to hold up well. I've also got a pair of Costas that I wear, but they are way to expensive to risk damage when working, but they are nice sunglasses.

 

I have wondered if sunglasses actually change you eyes. I used to never wear them, but after I started it seems my eyes got used to them and now I can hardly step outside without a pair on. I also work with guys that never wear sunglasses, but I'll be working right beside them and be blinded if I take mine off. So I do feel your eyes get used to them, but maybe in the long run they will actually save your eyes from cataracts and whatnot.