Ultraviolet protection in eye and face protection against biological hazards.

Background: In the development of eye and face protection standards against biological hazards, it is important to consider that the eye and face protectors may be used in the outdoor environment, where ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun is much higher than indoors. Workers affected include paramedics, ambulance officers and clinical testing personnel.

Methods: Spectral transmittances (280-780 nm) were measured on eight face shields and one goggle of the types used in hospital and clinical environments, three overhead projector sheets and an occupational impact protective goggle.

Effect of Ultraviolet Exposure on Impact Resistance of Ophthalmic Lenses.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the impact resistance of organic ophthalmic lens materials.

Methods: Plano power CR39, Phoenix, Trilogy, and polycarbonate lenses with various scratch-resistant (SR) and/or antireflection (AR) coatings were obtained in batches of 40 units. All lenses had a nominal thickness of 2 mm.

Assessment of the performance of automated focimeters in the measurement of single vision spectacle lenses.

Background: The accuracy and precision of any instrument should not be taken for granted. While there is an international standard for checking focimeters, there is no report of any study on their performance.

Method: A sample set of 51 focimeters (11 brands), were used to measure the spherical power of a set of lenses and the prismatic power of two lenses complying with ISO 9342-1:2005 and other calibrated prismatic lenses and the spherical power of some grey filters.

Impact resistance and prescription compliance with AS/NZS 1337.6:2010.

Background: Australian/New Zealand Standard 1337.6 deals with prescription eye protection and has been in place since 2007. There have been many standards marking licences granted since then.

Prescription compliance in ophthalmic lenses.

Purpose: Tolerances required for ophthalmic lenses are set down in national and international standards. It appears that the compliance of manufactured lenses has not been reported previously. Assembling a statistical quantity of lenses of a single prescription is usually an expensive process.

Sunglasses, the European directive and the European standard.

Purpose: The Optics and Radiometry Laboratory (ORLAB) provides a testing service for the Australian sunglass industry to assist its compliance with the mandatory Consumer Product Safety Standard. In doing so, a number of sunglasses carrying the CE mark (in effect a claim of compliance with the European Union Personal Protective Equipment Directive) have been tested. Since there is no mandatory testing in Europe (the sunglass industry is deemed self regulating), evaluating their performance will give an insight into compliance with the Directive.