Safety Eyewear

[Opticalman1]

We are a small independent lab and we are thinking of producing safet eyewear is there anything we need to do to register with the state or federal gov. before we start? I know we need to get a system to put our trade mark on the lenses anything else? Thanks!!!

[Jim G]

Probably the most important item to do first is to get a copy of ANSI Z87.1 and read and understand cover to cover.

Hilco, among others, will be able to help you with lens markers. You need design a unique logo plus you'll need others for special purpose lenses and photochromic.

Be sure to develop a method of verifying your drop ball results. Plastic lenses don't have to be individually tested BUT you need some statistical basis that the lenses you produce will pass. Some lens materials, particularly those with a hard coat on the backside, will not pass drop ball even at 2.0mm. Know what you're doing before you start. COLTS laboratory has a protocol but there is a cost associated. Also, make sure that your CT's are within standards and that some note is made by the technician on every Rx.

The frame suppliers (like Titmus) can also be a great help in getting started. Give them a call.

Good luck.

[Opticalman1]

Thanks Jim,

We have the Z87.1-2003 standard and I have ordered a plier from Salder to place our trademark on the lenses, just was concened that we needed to register with the FDA, FTC or maybe something for each state.

Thanks again for the information.

[Jim G]

I think there's a newer edition of the Z87.1. Possibly late 2005 or early 2006. Some significant changes.

Please take seriously my admonition to establish a drop-ball testing program. Chances are nothing will occur but if you don't, you're quite bare. Are you an OLA member? If so, they have a lot of information too.

[impact500]

Jim G: <<I think there's a newer edition of the Z87.1. Possibly late 2005 or early 2006. Some significant changes.>>

The latest Z87 is the 2003 version as noted by Opticalman1.

The draft committee is working on an update with a target of it being Z87.1 2008.