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Regarding PPE and eye protection, which situations does choosing safety glasses vs goggles vs face shields fare better? Apparently, Australians suffer around 50.000 eye injuries every year even though many of them were wearing eye protection at the time of their injury.
Surprisingly, safety eyewear is often incorrectly fitted. In addition, it is not rated appropriately for the task. Worse is, however, it usually does not provide adequate protection. Subsequently, injuries often occur when foreign bodies enter under, over or around the sides of the safety eyewear, according to a report from Safe Work Australia (SWA).
As a consequence, these eye injuries can lead to permanent vision loss, contributing to depression and negatively affect work and social relationships, as described in a Comcare &#;Eye Health in the Workplace&#; guide.
Moreover, the most dangerous injuries for the eyes are construction, mining, agriculture, forestry and fishing industries, in which 60 per cent of all eye injuries in Australia occur. In fact, chemical splashes, metal or plastic debris hitting the eye, tools accidentally striking the face, and improper use of equipment are the most common causes.
Therefore, it is critical you have the appropriate eye protection. To put it differently, knowing when to use medium, high or extra high impact rated eye protection. Namely, when to use safety glasses, safety goggles, face shields or a combination of these.
Firstly, eye protection impact ratings are determined by its ability to withstand an impact. Specifically, from a weighted ball without cracking, detaching or dislodging, breaking or coming into contact with the eye or the head.
Low Impact: Can withstand impact from an object moving at 12 metres per second.
Medium Impact: Can withstand impact from an object moving up to 45 metres per second.
High Impact: Can withstand impact from an object moving up to 120 metres per second.
Extra High Impact: Can withstand impact from an object moving up to 190 metres per second.
Accordingly, all ProChoice safety eyewear is rated medium impact or higher, have polycarbonate lenses; 99.9% UV protection and are Certified to AS/NZS.1: Standards. In other words, that Certification means you have quality assurance that the product will perform as stated. Hence, check your safety eyewear to see if it has the Australian Standards logo which indicates they conform to tests for impact resistance.
To illustrate, Figure 1.0 outlines how different ratings are marked while Figure 1.1 provides broad guidance on what impact protection rating should be considered for different tasks. Although this information should not be relied upon to determine suitable safety eyewear. Actually, a risk assessment should be carried out by a qualified OHS professional to choose which PPE suits your work environment.
: flying or falling objects, fragments or particles, including sparks, sand, dirt and large chips.
Chipping
Grinding
Drilling
Sawing
Chiselling
Sanding
Riveting
Machining
Spalling
Hammering
Managing a strap under tension
Using power tools or nail guns
Landscaping
Wire handling
Brick cutting
Stone dressing
Woodworking
Metalworking
In reality, safety glasses are the minimum. Preferably, this will have side shields to reduce the risk of foreign objects going around the lenses.On the other hand, safety goggles are more effective at protecting against hazards from going under or around the edges due to the seal.
Of course, the impact rating of the lenses should be fit for the task.
Lastly, face shields are recommended for explosive power tools, including nail guns.
: anything emitting heat at high temperatures including molten metal and sparks.
Welding
Pouring
Casting
Hot dipping
Operating furnaces
Naturally, safety glasses/goggles with lenses fit for high temperatures.
When working with molten metal, safety goggles and face shields are vital to reduce the risk of splash injuries.
: splashes, sprays, mists, vapours and fumes
Acid and chemical handling
Degreasing
Plating
Specifically, Safety goggles and/or face shields must be used.
Whereas safety glasses are NOT adequate protection against chemical hazards.
Buffing
Generally dusty conditions
In particular, safety goggles are the only PPE which provide adequate protection against harmful dust and airborne particles as they form a protective seal around the eyes.: intense concentrations of heat, infrared, ultraviolet and reflected light radiation.
Welding
Soldering
Working with lasers
Torch-cutting
Brazing
Outdoor work (UV from the sun)
Generally, filter lenses in protective eyewear should be fit for the maximum intensity of radiation the worker could potentially be exposed to in the task.
Also, welding helmets should always be used.
Protective eyewear with a UV protection rating should be used when working outdoors.
The company is the world’s best safety goggles bulk supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Sourced from information contained in the US Eye and Face Protection e-Tool and Better Health Victoria&#;s Eye Safety at Work.
Markedly, safety glasses allow air in and around the eye area. Whereas eye protection goggles fit tight against the face, offering protection against dust and splashes. Correspondingly, face guard provides further protection and can also be worn over spectacles or goggles.
In determining suitable safety eyewear, by all means a risk assessment should be carried out by a qualified OHS professional to choose what suits your work environment.
In detail, Figure 2.0 gives some guidance on the selection of appropriate protective eyewear; whether a spectacle, goggle or face shield:
NOTE: Hence, ordinary eyewear such as prescription glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses do not offer appropriate eye protection. In fact, these can actually increase the severity of injuries in the event of an incident.
While impact resistance and the type of protection is critical, other considerations should be also included. For instance, the type of lense, the shape of your head and if anti-fog lenses for use in humid conditions are required (see more on these below).
Furthermore, the sun&#;s ultraviolet radiation can cause a range of conditions, from mild irritation to cataracts and cancer of the conjunctiva.
Naturally, all ProChoice glasses are safety sunglasses as well &#; even those with clear lenses &#; provide 99.9% UV protection so if you are using a ProChoice product, this is one eye hazard you do not need to worry about.
Similarly, the correct choice of lense finish plays an important part in the safety eyewear selection process. Consider the following features:
Amber Lenses: The characteristics of the filter show absorption of the blue light in the visible range. It also produces contrast enhancement in low light.
Clear Lenses: Provide protection against general indoor hazards.
Smoke Lenses: Filter harmful UV rays as well as visible light and reduces glare from artificial light.
Polarised Lenses: Filter glare and enhance contrast.
Mirror Lenses: The mirror coating reduces the amount of light through the lens by reflecting the glare.
Indoor / Outdoor Lenses: A slight mirror coating on a clear lense allows more visible light through and reduces glare from artificial light.
Finally, all ProChoice eye protection has a &#;frame shape&#;. This is designed to match the user&#;s face shape as well as provide the best possible fit, comfort and protection.
have a forehead that&#;s just slightly wider than their chin (like an upside down egg). Meanwhile, the jawline is somewhat rounded and the face shape is longer than it is wide. Suited Frame Shape: Square with rounded edges
typify a square face, and they are nearly as wide as they are long. Above all, a strong jawline is defining feature of this face shape, with only a minimal curve. Suited Frame Shape: Oval shape
are often associated with round plump cheeks but that isn&#;t always the case. In this case, the cheekbones are the widest part of the face on round face shapes and the jaw will be curved. Much like a square face but with softer angles. Suited Frame Shape: Wide and angular
have a long and pointed jawline. Ultimately, the chin is the smallest point of a heart shaped face, much like an upside down triangle. Suited Frame Shape: Rounded edges
are characterised by a long length but also forehead, cheeks and jawline should all be pretty much the same width. Suited Frame Shape: Oversized, round or square frames
has a narrow and pointed chin as well as high cheekbones. In contrast to heart shaped faces, the hairline is narrower on a diamond shaped face. Suited Frame Shape: Oval or frameless shapes
*Disclaimer*
The information contained on this page is for promotional and informational purposes only. All equipment should be used by trained professional tradesmen who have been trained how to use the equipment described on this page, and understand the risks of their work. PowerPak assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the use or misuse of any product purchased. In no event shall PowerPak be liable for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other torts, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information or the contents of this page. PowerPak reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on this page at any time without prior notice.
This isn't breaking news. We've all heard it, and we all know it. &#;You have to wear safety glasses.&#;
Just as important as wearing protective eyewear is wearing the RIGHT protective eyewear. Some workers think it doesn&#;t matter and that as long as you have a pair of safety glasses on, you are good.
Do your safety glasses meet safety regulations and standards set by OSHA and ANSI for features like impact protection, splash protection, and UV? In some cases, safety glasses without the correct safety features can do more harm than good.
Additionally, it's worth considering that maybe safety glasses aren&#;t the right PPE for the job. Maybe, you need safety goggles or a full-face shield.
There is a lot to consider. We will break it down part by part.
The stakes are high. When people think of hazards to your eyes, they think of flying debris and objects, but hazards come in all shapes and forms. Some hazards damage your eyes instantly, and some damage your eyes slowly over time. In either case, the damage is often irreversible and will be something you'll have to live with for the rest of your life.
Ultraviolet Light: Like with sunglasses, a tinted pair of safety glasses that do not have UV protection can be more harmful than helpful because your pupils open wider and expose your eyes to more harmful UV rays. Always check the label to see if your eye protection offers UV protection.
Strong Chemicals: Splashes and fumes while working with chemicals and liquids that can damage your eyes.
Impact Resistance: Concrete, metal, wood, and other objects put your eyes at risk.
Bloodborne Pathogens: includes hepatitis and HIV from blood and body fluids.
Dust: Exposing your eyes to construction and environmental dust can result in both short-term and long-term irritation and conjunctivitis.
Infrared Light: Similar to UV light, prolonged exposure to IR light can cause irreversible damage to your eyes. IR exposure puts you at a high risk of cataracts.
It&#;s no surprise that the most common eye protection is safety glasses. Features are a big part of what makes eye protection work, and all of the essential features are regulated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Specifically, ANSI standard Z87.1.
Safety glasses come in all shapes and sizes and have a wide array of optional features. Features like impact resistance and UV protection. Under ANSI Z87.1, each feature has an alphanumeric code. Most safety glasses have multiple features, and the code for those features can be found on the inside of one of the arms or etched into the lens.
These are the most common features and ANSI codes for eye protection:
Safety goggles are the best protection for high-risk hazards. These provide the worker with protection from all directions, and they seal to your face to keep contaminants out. You can wear them on top of prescription glasses. Goggles can be rated for any of the features listed above, and additionally can have the following rating:
When a worker is exposed to hazards like severe heat, bloodborne pathogens, and chemicals, a face shield would be ideal for protecting the eyes and face. Workers should not use face shields as the only form of eye protection. Face shields should be worn with safety glasses or goggles for added protection.
Every occupation and every job is different. It is essential to select the eye protection designed and rated for the job&#;s specific hazards. As your tasks change, the hazards change, and your PPE should also change.
Here is the eye protection you should expect to need in some primary trades.
PowerPak offers a wide variety of eye safety options that are always in stock and ready for delivery.
Rockland Contractor Grade Safety Glasses are perfect for outfitting your crew with a straightforward set of safety glasses that offer ANSI Z87.1+ impact protection, 99% UV protection, multiple color/tint options, and optional anti-fog.
Rockland Precision Safety Glasses are a step up with the same features as the Contractor Grade glasses but with added comfort. These glasses feature flexible rubber nose pads, rubber-tipped arms, and a lightweight design that allows for comfortable, all-day wearability. Each pair comes with a lanyard helping prevent misplacement.
Rockland Premium Foam Lined Glasses are ideal for workers exposed to dust. These safety glasses have D3 (splash resistance) and D4 (dust resistance), making them ideal for jobs where the complete seal of safety goggles is not required, but extra protection is needed.
Chemical Splash Protection Goggles are a popular solution for work that requires robust protection that only a good pair of goggles can provide. These goggles are rated Z87.1+ for impact protection, 99% UV protection, anti-fog, indirectly vented, and they offer dust and splash protection.
ARC Rated Goggles are an advanced pair of safety goggles that offer the ANSI protection you&#;d expect, such as impact, UV, fog, and dust, but is additionally rated at 38 Cal/cm2 for arc flash protection. These goggles are a great addition to an arc flash kit.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a handful of general requirements for eye protection in the workplace.
For starters, it is the employer&#;s responsibility to ensure that employees exposed to hazards wear eye protection that addresses that hazard. That includes requiring eye protection with sufficient side protection from flying debris or additional filters needed for different types of welding.
OSHA also specifies that prescription eyewear needs to be accounted for when outfitting workers with eye protection. There are a couple of options on this topic. There are safety glasses and goggles designed to fit over a pair of prescription glasses. Some eye protection has the option to order them with the prescription lenses built-in.
And, all eye protection needs to comply with the ANSI Z87.1 standards.
Assessing workplace hazards is not difficult. It can be surprising when you stop and total up everything you're exposed to daily. This information will help inform the PPE choice you make beyond eye protection.
American Optometric Association advises knowing these tips for protecting your eyes from a workplace injury:
In almost every eye-related emergency, you should seek immediate medical attention. You may not need to seek out a doctor or medical professional if the injury is minor and can be treated with an eyewash or general first aid.
But generally, an eye injury should be regarded as a serious injury. In the event of an incident, you need to assess what happened and know what first aid needs to be administered until emergency services can arrive.
There is no blanket response to a workplace injury. The first aid procedure will be different for different injuries, so team members must be trained and prepared to handle injuries related to the hazards in your workplace. And, it&#;s equally important to have easily accessible first aid supplies.
The cost of safety is nothing when compared to the cost of an injury. A safe and healthy workplace is the right of all workers, and it helps draw valuable employees. Safe working conditions will benefit both the employer and the employees.
Visit PowerPak.net to outfit your team and jobsite with safety supplies and PPE. Contact us today for more information.
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