Safety standards explained
What the Australian and New Zealand eye protection standards cover, why certification matters, and how to choose the right protection.
AS/NZS 1337 explained
AS/NZS 1337 is the Australian and New Zealand standard series for occupational eye protection. Two parts matter most for safety glasses.
| Standard | Covers | In our range |
|---|---|---|
| AS/NZS 1337.1 | Non-prescription eye and face protectors for occupational use | Non-prescription frames, safety sunglasses, over-glasses and goggles |
| AS/NZS 1337.6 | Prescription eye protectors against low and medium impact | Prescription frames and lenses |
Compliant vs certified
You'll see both words on safety eyewear, and they don't mean the same thing.
- Compliant means the supplier says the product meets the standard. The claim may not have been independently checked.
- Certified means an independent, accredited certification body has tested the product against the standard and continues to audit how it's made.
Every frame and lens in the Certified Eyewear range is certified, not just claimed to comply.
Prescription eyewear
Putting ordinary prescription lenses into a safety-style frame doesn't make a certified prescription safety device. Under AS/NZS 1337.6 the frame and lenses are assessed together as a complete eye protector, so the lenses need to be made and fitted within the certification.
Prescription eye protectors are rated for low and medium impact. For higher-impact tasks, your risk assessment may call for goggles or a face shield as well.
Choosing the right protection
Start with the hazards of the task, then choose frame, lens and coatings to match. This table is a starting point, not a substitute for your site's risk assessment.
| Hazard | Consider |
|---|---|
| Dust and general debris | Safety glasses with integrated side shields |
| Flying particles from grinding or cutting | Side shields as a minimum; a face shield over the top for higher-impact tasks |
| Chemical or liquid splash | Sealed goggles, or a face shield where your assessment requires it |
| Glare and UV outdoors | Smoke or polarised lenses |
| Moving between indoors and out | Light-reactive lenses |
| Heat, humidity or wearing a mask | Anti-fog coating |
Who's responsible?
Under Australian work health and safety laws, businesses must manage risks to their workers. Where personal protective equipment is needed, the business must provide it and make sure it fits and is used correctly. Workers need to wear it as instructed.