The ultimate guide to choosing Eye Protection PPE

The eye is the most delicate organ of our body, so eye protection is necessary in workplaces. Most eye-related workplace injuries occur either due to not donning the PPE or wearing the PPE improperly. The article sheds light on how to choose proper safety goggles to reduce eye-related injuries.

Why is Safety Goggles Necessary?

The selection of safety goggles is necessary for a variety of reasons. Check out the reasons why you should always use safety goggles -

Protection from Chemicals, Metal particles & Dust -

Bodily fluids, corrosive liquids, chemicals, and acids are eye-related hazards in labs, chemical factories & pathology. Dust, debris, metal particles, and flying particles, especially in construction, woodwork, and metal work are also serious eye-related hazards.  As a result, the workers associated with these industries are in direct contact with these hazards. 

Therefore, personnel must wear protective eyewear when working with these substances. Safety glasses act as a barrier between your eyes and potential hazards, such as flying debris, particles, or splashes of chemicals. They help prevent injuries such as scratches, cuts, punctures, or more severe damage to the eyes. In work environments where there is a risk of eye injury, safety glasses are essential to minimize the chances of accidents and protect your vision.

When working in sawmills or any other wood-related work, the main danger to the eyes is sawdust. When working with wood, donning proper eye protection PPE is a must. Check out our article on PPE for woodworking. Metal refining industries, metal extraction industries, mining industries, metal construction, and metal purification have an environment where molten metal vapor & debris could harm workers’ eyes. Safety eye goggles will prevent any such substance from getting into contact with the eyes, thus ensuring that they stay protected.

Protection from Impact:

Safety glasses are specifically designed to withstand the impact of high-velocity objects. They have impact-resistant lenses that can withstand flying debris, tools, or projectiles, reducing the risk of eye injuries in industries like construction, manufacturing, or carpentry.

Protection against Fertilisers and Pesticides -

Agriculture often involves spraying fertilizers and pesticides that can cause serious eye damage if they get in contact with the eyes. Hence, it is advised that while spraying fertilizers & pesticides, proper eye protection PPE must be used. 

Curious ones can also check out our blog on eye protection PPE for woodworking.

Some Factors to Consider Before Choosing Safety Goggles

Finding and selecting the proper protection may be difficult, here are essential factors to consider when choosing safety goggles -

Safety Standards -

Check if the safety glasses meet the necessary safety standards for the specific tasks or hazards you'll be facing. Look for certifications such as ANSI Z87.1 (American National Standards Institute) or EN 166 (European standard) to ensure the glasses have undergone testing and meet established safety requirements.

Impact Resistance - 

Evaluate the level of impact resistance offered by the safety glasses. Look for glasses with lenses made from polycarbonate or other impact-resistant materials. These lenses are designed to withstand high-velocity impacts, such as flying debris or projectiles, reducing the risk of eye injuries.

For more information on the lens material, you can check out the blog on polycarbonate lenses.

Fit and Comfort - 

Ensure the safety glasses fit well and provide a comfortable wearing experience. Consider adjustable features like nose pads and temple arms that allow you to customize the fit. Look for glasses with a lightweight design and ergonomic features that won't cause discomfort or distractions during extended use.

Optical Clarity -

Look for lenses that offer excellent optical clarity and minimal distortion, ensuring clear vision without compromising your ability to see accurately.

Durability and Maintenance -

1. Scratch Resistance: Look for glasses with scratch-resistant coatings to enhance the longevity of the lenses.
2. Easy Maintenance: Choose glasses that are easy to clean and maintain, with lenses that are resistant to smudges and easy to wipe clean.
3. Replaceable Parts: Check if the glasses have replaceable parts, such as lenses, temples, or nose pads, which can extend the lifespan of the eyewear and save costs on replacements.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing safety glasses that provide optimal eye protection, comfort, and durability for your specific work environment or activities.

For more information, you can check our blog on how to choose eye protection PPE.

Guide for how to wear safety glasses properly: 

1. Choose the right safety glasses: Select safety glasses that are suitable for the specific task or environment you'll be working in. 

2. Clean the lenses: Before wearing safety glasses, clean the lenses using a lens cleaning solution or mild soap and water. It ensures clear visibility and removes any dirt, smudges, or residues that may obstruct your vision.

3. Adjust the fit: Adjust the safety glasses to achieve a secure and comfortable fit. Here's how:

• Place the safety eyewear over your eyes, ensuring the lenses cover your eyes completely.
• Check that the nosepiece sits comfortably on your nose without causing pressure or discomfort. If necessary, adjust the nosepiece to achieve a proper fit.
• Temples should extend over your ears and sit snugly without being too tight. Adjust the length of the temples, if possible, to ensure a secure fit.
• If the safety glasses have adjustable side shields, position them to provide additional coverage and protection.

4. Verify proper positioning: Look in a mirror or ask someone to check if the safety glasses are positioned correctly. The lenses should be centered over your eyes, providing clear and unobstructed vision. Ensure there are no gaps between your face and the glasses that may allow debris or hazards to enter.

5. Wear them consistently: Once properly fitted, wear your safety glasses consistently throughout the task or activity that requires eye protection. Keep them until you have finished the task or left the hazardous area.

Conclusion

Everyone wants to be safe and healthy, but sometimes, it’s hard to find the correct guidance. Remember, safety glasses should be worn with other personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for your specific task or environment. Consult safety guidelines and regulations to ensure you are using the appropriate PPE to protect your eyes adequately. We hope that the blog has helped provide you with a better understanding of safety glasses and how to choose them.