Choosing the Right Safety Glasses

Safety glasses and goggles are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE). They are intended to protect the eyes, particularly against UV rays and against projections of solid, liquid, or chemical particles that could pose a risk to vision.

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  • What factors should be taken into account when choosing safety glasses?

    GYS safety goggles

    To ensure that you choose the most suitable safety glasses for you or your employees, assess the eye risks involved in the job. Then identify the best form of protection and find out about the regulations that apply to this type of product. In short, your choice will depend on the following factors:

    • Type of risk: Examine your working environment to identify the risks you are exposed to. These risks can be mechanical, chemical, biological, thermal, electrical, or due to optical radiation.
    • The shape and material of the glasses: There are glasses made of different materials, such as PVC, polycarbonate, metal, etc. As for the shape, there is also a wide range of options: you can opt for conventional safety glasses, safety goggles, over the spectacle glasses, or glasses with a face shield attached. Don’t forget to consider the comfort factor.
    • Standards: EN 166 is the standard for personal eye protection. Models used in Europe must have a CE marking.
  • What kind of risks are involved?

    First of all, it is necessary to identify the risks in the workplace.

    • Mechanical risks: If there is a risk of impact from flying particles.
    • Chemical or biological risks: If there is a risk of contact with chemical products or microorganisms.
    • Risks associated with optical radiation: If there is a risk of exposure to infrared, ultraviolet, or X-ray radiation.
    • Thermal risks: If there is a risk of exposure to high temperatures or hot particles.

    Types of Risks:

    • Mechanical
    • Chemical or biological
    • Optical radiation
    • Thermal
  • Which type of safety glasses should you choose?

    There are safety glasses in various shapes:

    • Conventional frame glasses: Offer good protection against ultraviolet radiation and the impact of front-flying particles. However, they do not protect against dust, splashes, aerosols, and particles that may pass through the sides or over the top of the glasses. You can customize these glasses with a blue light filter, lenses in different colors (depending on the protection you need), or graduated lenses. There are also models for carrying out medical and laboratory procedures.
    • Protective goggles and over-the-spectacle safety glasses: Completely seal off the eye area, guaranteeing total protection against the impact of particles, dust, aerosols, and chemicals. Over the spectacle glasses do not have tinted lenses, but they can have an anti-fog or anti-scratch treatment. They are intended to be worn over prescription glasses, but can also be worn alone.
    • Safety glasses with attached face shield: Protect the eyes and lower part of the face. There are tinted face shields that provide sun protection.

    If you need more protection, you should opt for a mask. Chemical-resistant, high-temperature, and impact-resistant masks are available on the market. These are used by welders or in the health sector to avoid contamination by infectious substances.

    Types of Safety Glasses:

    • Conventional frame glasses
    • Protective goggles
    • Over the spectacle glasses
    • Glasses with attached face shield
  • What standards apply to safety glasses?

    Productos Climax safety glasses

    Safety glasses and goggles are subject to the EN 166 standard, which applies to most eye protection PPE, and some to specific standards, depending on the type of protection they are intended to provide. For example, EN 169 applies to welding filters, while EN 170 and 171 regulate ultraviolet and infrared filters, respectively. In Europe, safety glasses and goggles must have a CE marking, certifying that they comply with current standards. In addition, all applicable standards must be clearly indicated on the glasses or goggles themselves.

    The EN 166 standard concerns eye protection against risk factors that could alter vision or damage the eyes, except for radiation of nuclear origin, X-rays, laser emissions, and infrared radiation emitted by low-temperature sources. This standard distinguishes between three optical classes, depending on the intensity of use. There are therefore lenses suitable for:

    • Continuous work (glasses for all-day use)
    • Intermittent work
    • Occasional work (glasses for occasional use)

    Protective glasses and goggles must also be marked with other technical characteristics of the lenses, which include letters and, in certain cases, numbers. In the industrial sector, the most common are the following:

    • F: Protection against particle impacts at speeds of up to 45 m/s (mechanical resistance)
    • K: Resistance to surface damage caused by fine particles
    • N: Resistance to fogging
    • A: Reinforced reflection of infrared rays
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