Flying particles, chemical splashes, or harmful radiation can permanently damage your eyes.
So, for your staff’s safety, they must wear proper eye and face protection.
There is a wide range of safety glasses on the market.
There are many different models, designs, and lens tints… So, what makes one pair of glasses better than another?
The key to selecting the right safety glasses for your application is a combination of wearing comfort, optimal visibility, maximum protection, and advanced design.
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So, where do you start?
Ask yourself the following question:
What is the source of your problem and why does your staff need safety glasses?
In other words, what risks does your staff face during their work each day?
Risks
Your choice of safety glasses depends on the application and the associated risks:
Mechanical risks
A mechanical risk occurs if you come into contact with solid particles, dust, or splinters.
If dust or splinters get into your eyes, these can damage the cornea or cloud the lens.
Chemical risks
Do you work with harmful chemicals, such as solvents and sprays?
Such substances often splash or release droplets that can cause infections. A common work illness is conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids.
View all chemical resistant face shields
Thermal risks
Molten metal, open flames, or hot liquids that are released are risky. These can damage the cornea or cause loss of vision in extreme situations.
If you often have to work with large quantities of liquids that are released, it is much better to wear a face shield than safety glasses.
View all heat-resistant face shields
Electrical risks
In case of a short circuit or poor electrical contact, you must protect yourself against potential dangers, such as explosions.
In case of a flame arc, you should wear specific arc-flash face shields. The dark tint of these shields makes these easy to recognise.
Currently, you will see more face shields that meet the German standard: GS-ET-29. You attach these arc-flash face shields to your hard hat. Or, these are already a part of your hard hat.
Harmful radiation: UV, laser, or infrared
One of the most common risks in the workplace are injuries caused by harmful radiation, such as ultraviolet, laser, or infrared rays.
So, you must select the proper protective lens.
If you are regularly exposed to UV radiation, it can damage your retina and cornea.
Every workplace is different, so always start with a comprehensive risk analysis.
Once you have noted all potential risks, you can then delve deeper into regulations and standards.
Standards
In Europe, all eye and face protection equipment (safety glasses, face shields, etc.) must be CE type-approved.
Every pair of glasses (or part of thereof) must meet certain requirements. These requirements and tests are described in detail in the applicable European EN standard. Some tests are required. Other tests apply to goggles, but not to safety glasses. And, other tests are optional.
You can always find the results of optional tests indicated in the marking on your glasses or its frame. The section on marking provides more details.
An overview of the most important standards for safety glasses, goggles, and face shields are listed below.
|
EN 166:2001 |
Basic requirements for all types of eye and face protection, except for laser, nuclear, x-ray, and low-temperature IR radiation. |
|
EN 167:2001 |
Optical test methods |
|
EN 168:2001 |
Non-optical test methods |
|
EN 169:2002 |
Filters for welding and associated techniques |
|
EN 170:2002 |
Ultraviolet filters (UV-filters) |
|
EN 171:2002 |
Infrared filters (IR-filters) |
|
EN 172:1995/A2:2001 |
Sunlight filters for industrial use |
|
EN 175:1997 |
Equipment for eye and face protection during welding and associated processes |
|
EN 207:2010/C1:2012 |
Filters and eye protection against laser radiation |
|
EN 208:2010 |
Eye protection for adjustment work to lasers and laser systems |
|
EN 379:2003/A1:2009 |
Automatic welding filters |
|
EN 1731:2006 |
Eye and face protection with woven metal wire for protecting against mechanical hazards and/or heat. |
All of these different standards do not make it all easy research. However, safety glasses are always certified according to EN 166, sometimes in combination with a specific standard for filters. Some tests are performed only on the lenses, while other tests are only on the frame. Yet other tests are on the entirety of the product.
Marking
Each eye or face protection must have a marking indicating its area of application and performance indicators.
The marking must be indicated on both the frame/holder and the lens or face shield.
The number of the standard does not have to appear on the lenses, only the numbers for the tested and conforming properties.
If your frame and lenses form an inseparable whole (for example, a face shield with a headband), the marking is indicated on the frame.
Marking on the lens
| Description | Symbol | |
|---|---|---|
| Filters | ||
| UV radiation | 2-X, 2C-X, 3-X | |
| Infrared radiation | 4-X | |
| Sunlight | 5-X of 6-X | |
| Welding | 1,2 tot 16 | |
| Manufacturer’s logo | Logo | |
| Optical class | ||
| Suitable for long-term wear for working with high visual requirements | 1 | |
| Suitable for occasional wear for working with average visual requirements | 2 | |
| Suitable for brief wear for working with low visual requirements | 3 | |
| Mechanical resistance | ||
| Minimum robustness | No symbol | |
| Increased robustness | S | |
| Low energy impact (45 m/s) | F | |
| Average energy impact (120 m/s) | B | |
| High energy impact (190 m/s) | A | |
| Impact in combination with high temperature | FT, BT, AT | |
| Specific area of application | ||
| Electrical short arc (arc flash) | 8 | |
| Molten metal | 9 | |
| Optional treatments | ||
| Anti-scratch coating | K | |
| Anti-fog coating | N | |
| Increased reflection | R | |
| Original lens | O | |
| Replacement lens | ▽ | |
| CE marking | CE 0120 | |
Marking on the frame
| Description | Symbol | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer’s logo | Logo | |
| Standard | EN 166 | |
| Specific area of application | ||
| Liquids: droplets and splashes | 3 | |
| Coarse dust:> 5 microns | 4 | |
| Gas & fine dust > 5 microns | 5 | |
| Electrical arc | 8 | |
| Molten metal | 9 | |
| Mechanical resistance | ||
| Increased robustness | S | |
| Low energy impact (45 m/s) | F | |
| Average energy impact (120 m/s) | B | |
| High energy impact (190 m/s) | A | |
| Frames or shield holders suitable for a combination of an impact and high temperatures | T | |
| Small head indicator | H | |
| Optical radiation: In the case of optical radiation protection, this is the highest filter number lens that may be fitted. | X-Y | |
| CE marking | CE 0120 | |
Lens material
The lens material is one of the decisive factors in making your selection. It indicates which risks your safety glasses do or do not protect against.
Not all materials are suitable for all types of risks. You select the type of material depending on your application and the surroundings.
If you work in a wood processing company and splinters or pieces regularly fly around, you should select safety glasses with a polycarbonate lens.
Acetate is more likely to be found in face shields that protect against chemical splashes.
PNX 1.53 is an extremely reliable material with strong optical qualities. It protects the eyes from harmful UV radiation, is low in weight, and is shock resistant.
| Material/ Property |
Scratch resistant | Chemical resistant | Heat resistant | Spattering | Hot particles | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate | Poor | Reasonable | Good | Very good | Reasonable | Light |
| Acetate | Poor | Good | Reasonable | Good | Reasonable | Light |
| CR39 | Reasonable | Good | Good | Reasonable | Good | Light |
| PNX | Reasonable | Good | Good | Very good | Good | Very light |
| Glass | Good | Very good | Very good | Reasonable | Poor | Heavy |
Lens tints
Safety glasses often come in different lens tints. Your choice of lens tint is essential in providing the best visibility and increases eye comfort.
The tint affects glare and the ability to see colours and contrast. A well-selected lens tint optimises perception, reduces eye fatigue, and ensures maximum clarity.
It does so by controlling and balancing VLT (Visible Light Transmission). A poorly balanced VLT will underexpose or overexpose and can cause pain or discomfort.
In brief, a properly selected lens tint provides better safety and performance.
Most manufacturers make the same type of safety glasses with different tints so that you can continue to use the same model. Analyse your situation and visually examine the locations where your staff spend most of their time.
Depending on your application and the risks, you can select from the following lens tints:
Clear lenses
Clear lenses are the most common and are especially suitable for interior and mechanical applications where good visibility is required.
They transmit light well and can absorb up to 99.9% of UV light.
Some production halls and logistics centres use lamps that emit a lot of UV light. So, in this case, be sure to wear a protective UV lens.
Sunshades
These are mainly suitable for outdoor work, working in direct sunlight, or when there is a lot of glare. These have a VLT between 10% and 25%.
Safety glasses with sunshades must always comply with the EN 172 standard.
Photochromic lenses
Photochromic lenses are also suitable for both sunny and less bright conditions. These lenses darken with UV light and lighter when exposure decreases.
For when your people frequently move between bright and dark areas.
The average VLT is about 50%.
Welding lenses
Welding or grinding work requires specific welding tints. The light emitted during welding activities is so intense that it can cause serious damage.
Those who weld using the naked eye can later experience actinic conjunctivitis, a well-known occupational disease suffered by welders.
Polarised lenses
When light is extremely bright and reflects off water or the road, it is often difficult to travel. Especially when driving a vehicle.
Polarised lenses protect against these reflections and do not interfere with colour recognition. Their VLT is between 10% and 20%.
Coatings
To extend the lifespan of glasses, manufacturers apply an anti-fogging and anti-scratch coating to the glasses.
An anti-scratch coating prevents scratches occurring on the lens due to dust or other flying particles.
An anti-fog coating prevents the lens from fogging up in damp areas or after the glasses have been worn for a long time.
These coatings are displayed on the glasses respectively with the letters K and N.
Common coatings include:
- Uvex Supravision Extreme (used in, among others, Uvex Sportstyle and Uvex Pheos glasses)
- Bollé PLATINUM (used in Rush, Rush+, Contour, Tryon, etc.)
- 3M Scotchguard
Additional comfort features
Besides protection, safety glasses must also be comfortable to wear. Safety glasses must be worn all day long in many workplaces.
When selecting glasses, consider comfort-enhancing properties:
Adjustable temples: You can easily adjust your frame to your face shape with adjustable temples. This can be both in height or length.
Flexible nose bridge: The better safety glasses often have a flexible, soft rubber nose bridge with a non-slip coating. This helps your glasses stay on your face better.
Frame material: A frame is made of plastic or metal. Currently, plastic is increasingly used more often. Plastic is lighter and more flexible, which makes it more comfortable to wear. Metal frames are stronger, but weigh more.
Accessories
The big difference between basic and premium safety glasses goes beyond the materials and comfort features.
Also, review any accessories that you can purchase or that are included.
- A glasses cord so that your glasses do not accidentally fall to the floor
- Foam reinforcement for extra protection against dust and particles.
- A storage box with cloth
- Cleaning sprays
What to remember
This collection of information guarantees you will make the right choice.
- Always start with your risk analysis and assess all primary and secondary risks
- Pay attention to the standards and the marking on your safety glasses. The glasses have symbols indicating the filters and level of protection.
- The lens material largely determines the protection: polycarbonate is good for impact protection, glass and acetate are chemically resistant.
- Select the lens tint that best suits your workplace: factory hall, outdoor work, dark surroundings, etc.
- Glasses with coatings (anti-scratch or anti-fogging) last longer and eliminate additional risks.
- Never skimp on comfort because you may have to wear your safety glasses all day long.