If you've ever shopped for safety glasses in Australia, you've likely encountered the term "AS/NZS 1337.1" on product labels and descriptions. But what exactly does this standard mean, and why is it so important for workplace safety? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Australian safety eyewear standards and how they affect your choice of protective eyewear.
What is AS/NZS 1337.1?
AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 is the joint Australian and New Zealand standard that specifies the minimum requirements for personal eye protectors used in occupational applications. Developed by Standards Australia in collaboration with Standards New Zealand, this document establishes the testing procedures, performance requirements, and marking specifications for safety eyewear.
The standard is part of a broader series that covers various aspects of eye and face protection:
- AS/NZS 1337.1: Eye and face protectors for occupational applications
- AS/NZS 1337.6: Prescription eye protectors against low and medium impact
- AS/NZS 1338.1: Filters for eye protectors – Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations
Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, employers must provide appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety eyewear that meets relevant Australian Standards. Using non-compliant eyewear in the workplace may constitute a breach of safety regulations.
Impact Protection Classifications
One of the most critical aspects of AS/NZS 1337.1 is its classification system for impact protection. The standard defines three levels of impact resistance, each tested using different methods:
Low Impact Protection
Low impact protectors are designed to resist hazards travelling at speeds up to 12 metres per second. Testing involves dropping a 43mm steel ball weighing 44 grams onto the lens from a height of 1.3 metres. This level of protection is suitable for environments with minimal risk of flying debris, such as light assembly work or handling materials that could generate slow-moving particles.
Medium Impact Protection
Medium impact protectors must withstand hazards travelling at speeds up to 45 metres per second. The testing procedure uses a 6mm steel ball fired at the lens at the rated velocity. Most industrial and construction environments require at least medium impact protection, as this level covers the majority of flying debris hazards found in typical workplaces.
High Impact Protection
High impact protectors are tested to resist hazards travelling at speeds up to 120 metres per second. This involves firing a 6mm steel ball at the lens at extremely high velocity. High impact protection is mandatory for high-risk activities such as grinding, chipping, riveting, and other operations that generate fast-moving particles.
When selecting safety glasses, always consider the worst-case scenario in your work environment. If there's any possibility of encountering high-speed projectiles, choose high impact rated eyewear. It's better to be over-protected than under-protected.
Understanding Marking Requirements
AS/NZS 1337.1 requires certified safety eyewear to carry specific markings that indicate compliance and specifications. These markings must be permanent and legible, typically located on the frame temples or lens. Understanding these markings helps you verify that your safety glasses meet the appropriate standards.
Frame Markings
Frames must display:
- The manufacturer's identification or trademark
- The standard number (AS/NZS 1337.1)
- The impact rating (L for Low, M for Medium, H for High)
- Additional designations for special protectors (e.g., mesh visors, welding shields)
Lens Markings
Lenses must indicate:
- The manufacturer's identification
- The impact rating
- Optical class (if applicable)
- Filter shade number (for tinted or welding lenses)
Look for markings like "AS/NZS 1337.1 M" for medium impact certification or "AS/NZS 1337.1 H" for high impact certification on your safety glasses frame.
Optical Quality Requirements
Beyond impact resistance, AS/NZS 1337.1 also sets requirements for optical quality. Safety glasses must provide clear, undistorted vision to ensure wearers can perform their tasks safely. The standard defines three optical classes:
- Class 1: Suitable for continuous use, with the highest optical quality requirements. Most safety glasses for extended wear fall into this category.
- Class 2: Suitable for intermittent use only. May have minor optical imperfections that could cause discomfort during extended wear.
- Class 3: Suitable only for occasional use. Not recommended for tasks requiring precise vision or extended wearing periods.
For workers who wear safety glasses throughout their shift, Class 1 optical quality is essential. Inferior optical quality can lead to eye strain, headaches, and reduced productivity.
Additional Protection Categories
AS/NZS 1337.1 also addresses protection against hazards other than impact. Depending on your work environment, you may need safety glasses that provide:
UV Protection
The standard specifies UV transmission limits for safety eyewear intended for outdoor use. Given Australia's extreme UV levels, this is particularly important for outdoor workers. Look for lenses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Infrared Protection
For workers near furnaces, molten metal, or other heat sources, infrared (IR) protection may be necessary. The standard defines shade numbers for IR-filtering lenses based on the intensity of the radiation source.
Chemical and Dust Protection
While AS/NZS 1337.1 focuses primarily on impact and radiation protection, many certified safety glasses also provide additional protection against chemical splashes and dust when designed with appropriate coverage and sealing.
Compliance and Risk Assessment
Selecting the right safety eyewear isn't just about buying compliant products—it requires a proper risk assessment of your work environment. Australian WHS legislation requires employers to:
- Identify all eye hazards in the workplace
- Assess the level of risk associated with each hazard
- Select eye protection appropriate for identified risks
- Provide training on correct use and maintenance
- Ensure workers wear provided PPE correctly
A certified safety professional or WHS consultant can help conduct a thorough risk assessment and recommend appropriate eye protection for your specific workplace.
Buying safety glasses without verifying the impact rating matches your workplace hazards is a common error. A "certified" sticker alone doesn't guarantee adequate protection—you must match the rating to your specific risks.
International Standards Comparison
If you're sourcing safety glasses from overseas or working for an international company, it's helpful to understand how AS/NZS 1337.1 compares to other standards:
- ANSI Z87.1 (United States): The American standard with different testing protocols. Products certified to ANSI Z87.1 may not automatically comply with Australian requirements.
- EN 166 (European Union): The European standard with similar but not identical requirements to AS/NZS 1337.1.
- CSA Z94.3 (Canada): The Canadian standard, which has its own testing and certification requirements.
While there may be overlap between standards, the safest approach is to ensure your safety glasses specifically carry AS/NZS 1337.1 certification for use in Australian workplaces.
Purchasing Compliant Eyewear
When shopping for safety glasses in Australia, always verify compliance before purchasing. Here are some tips:
- Buy from reputable suppliers who can provide certification documentation
- Check for AS/NZS 1337.1 markings on both the frame and lenses
- Verify the impact rating matches your workplace requirements
- Be wary of extremely cheap products that claim compliance but lack proper markings
- Request test certificates if purchasing in bulk for workplace distribution
Remember that non-compliant eyewear not only puts workers at risk but can also expose employers to legal liability in the event of an injury.
Conclusion
Understanding AS/NZS 1337.1 is essential for anyone responsible for selecting or wearing safety glasses in Australian workplaces. The standard ensures that protective eyewear meets minimum performance requirements for impact resistance, optical quality, and other protection factors. By choosing properly certified eyewear and matching the protection level to your specific hazards, you can ensure your eyes remain protected throughout your working life.
For more information about eye protection, see our Beginner's Guide to Safety Glasses or explore our product comparison tools to find certified safety glasses that meet your needs.