Section 39.563. Classification of processes requiring protection

The various processes in which the operator shall be given protection to the head, eyes or neck, shall be divided into seven groups, each of which requires a protector of a particular style. The examples, given under each of the following groups are only illustrative and are not intended as a complete list of the operations or processes in which protectors are necessary:

(1) For protection from relatively large flying particles resulting from chipping, caulking and sledging in quarries, goggles of types 2 and 3 and masks may be used. For sledging in quarries, goggles of type 1 may also be used if the lenses are of extra thickness and at least 2 inches in diameter.

(2) For protection from dust and light flying particles resulting from scaling, grinding, stone dressing and some woodworking operations, goggles of types 1, 2, 3 and 4 may be used.

(3) For protection from splashing metal resulting from babbitting, pouring of hot metal, and dipping in hot metal baths, goggles of types 1, 2, and 3 and masks may be used. If goggles of type 1 are used, the lenses shall be not less than 2 inches in diameter. In the handling of hot metal, care shall be taken to eliminate moisture from the receptacle into which the metal is being poured. If type 3 eye cup goggles are used, they shall fit closely and the ventilating openings shall be covered so as to prevent the entrance of molten particles into the eye.

(4) For protection from gases, fumes and liquids, including the handling of acids and caustics and dipping in galvanizing tanks and japanning, goggles of type 3 mask or hood may be used, except that in pot nitration processes the mask is the only approved form of protection.

(5) For extra protection against dust and small particles from such work as sandblasting, a hood may be used.

(6) For protection from injurious radiant energy, if a moderate reduction in the intensity of the visible radiant energy is required, goggles of types 1, 2 and 3, with lenses of approved protective glass or plastic, or masks or helmets with windows of approved protective glass or plastic, may be used. The lens or window may be divided so that the upper portion is plain transparent material and the lower portion is approved protective transparent material. Furnace men shall be cautioned that cobalt glass is not effective in providing protection from ultraviolet radiant energy, which rays are injurious to the eyes. Employers and employes are urged to cooperate with the Department and with each other by not using lenses composed of cobalt glass, and, in their place, to use lenses which retard those rays that are injurious. Examples of such work involving radiant energy include oxyacetylene and oxyhydrogen welding and cutting, open hearth and Bessemer and crucible steel manufacturing, furnace work and electric resistance welding, exposure to glare in testing lamps, electric arc lamp testing, and spot welding with exposure to light rays.

(7) For protection from injurious radiant energy, if a large reduction of the visible radiant energy is required, helmets, hand shields or masks with windows of approved protective glass or plastic may be used. The work includes electric arc welding or cutting.