Eye Protection CSA vs ANSI
 

So I'm looking at some glasses and I don't actually know what the equivalent CSA rating is for the ANSI glasses most people use/have. I already bought them BTW just noticed it didn't have ANSI only CSA certification.

I did some googling but couldn't find anything. I know that CSA is Canadian Standards Assn. and ANSI is American National Standards Inst. That would lead me to believe that they are both approximately equivalent (maybe slight differentiation) if they are marketed as such. My theory is that the reason why mine aren't both CSA and ANSI approved is because the ones I got are probably marketed more toward Canadian customers and they wouldn't need to be ANSI approved just CSA (because the WCB uses CSA standards for workplace safety).

So. Did I make the right choice in getting these CSA approved glasses?

One last thing. I read the back of the package and it looks like it's rated for both ANSI and CSA standards but only has the CSA approved logo thing on it. What does that mean? It meets both CSA and ANSI standards but they just didn't bother with the ANSI certification?

There are several ANSI standards that reflect different properties. In this case you want ANSI Z87.1, which is the standard for high velocity impact protection. If it doesn't state that it meets or exceeds this particular rating I would err on the side of caution and assume it doesn't.

As for the CSA standard I can't say for certain as to what it pertains to. It may simply be indicating that the product is not made from harmful materials. Anyone able to provide more info on CSA ratings?

Googled again with the info you gave me and I got this.

NOTE: This is from a company website who manufactures safety products.

(NOTE: Some sections bolded for effect.)

That section I quoted above after reading the wording a few times it appears that the CSA rating is approximately equivalent if not offering slightly higher protection standards.

I'm going to test these out at the field before I use them though. What do you guys suggest? I'm thinking 3-5 feet away with a .25 going somewhere between 330-340 FPS.

Make sure you don't like the guy who's gonna wear them. ;)

I think testing them might render them a little damaged at that range. Not enough to break, but to scratch or mar. I'd get something else with an equivalent rating to test on.

And, try to have a range of power and distances so as to identify it's maximum protection value.

I was thinking putting them between some clamps or something... What were you thinking of??? :D

I don't want to damage/break them or anything otherwise I'll have to use the loaner glasses again. I got these so I would have my own pair.

I just want to test something realistic. I guess worst case scenario is probably 5-7 feet with .20 at 330-340 FPS.

I tested my Uvex Genesis lenses by shooting them at point blank range with a +450fps gun repeatedly. Didn't even leave a mark on the lense. Keep in mind, glasses have openings around the edges BB's can get past.

Shoot them point blank with a 400+ fps gun.

You want to sissy-test what's going to be protecting your eyes? Better to have them break if you shoot at them while testing that losing an eye.

i would actually suggest against that highly, it may withstand the hit, but even paintball goggles are suggested to be replaced after to many direct hits. so in the end you may just be damaging the to fail when you need them. id stick with testing something of the same rating. just my opinion.