Eye protection is crucial for safety and compliance with standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE recommends that workers wear safety glasses whenever there’s a risk of exposure to dust, debris, gas, chemical splashes, and more.
This guide covers the basics of safety glasses, their importance, and the types available to help you choose the ideal eyewear for the right job.
What Are Safety Glasses?
Safety glasses are a must component of personal protective equipment(PPE) in construction designed to protect workers’ eyes from foreign objects and flying particles. These protective eyewear pieces are usually constructed of impact-resistant frames made of metal or plastic and feature shatter-proof lenses.
Note: Safety glasses should bear a visible and legible CE mark on the frames. This mark indicates compliance with European safety standards and confirms that the glasses have passed all necessary tests.
How Do Safety Glasses Protect Your Eyes?
Wearing safety glasses is your best defence against eye injuries.
Good quality eyewear can withstand whatever high-speed particles may strike your eyes during construction activities. The lenses are also designed not to break into sharp pieces upon impact. Safety glasses with UV protection come in handy for outdoor work, where prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause eye damage.
Safety glasses must fit properly for them to be effective. Adjustable frames and nose pads allow for a comfortable fit, ensuring that even the tiniest debris can’t enter the edges of the eyewear.
What Are the Types of Safety Glasses?
There are three main types of safety glasses available: impact-resistant, scratch-resistant, and wrap-around.
1. Impact-resistant safety glasses
This type of eyewear protection is made from highly durable materials, such as polycarbonate, which are much stronger and more resilient compared to regular plastic lenses. It’s engineered to absorb shock and distribute the force of an impact, thereby minimising the chances of cracks, chips, or shattering when exposed to potential risks.
2. Scratch-resistant safety glasses
Scratch-resistant safety glasses have lenses coated with a clear layer that improves their resistance to abrasions and scratches. They offer protection against splashing and debris while providing you with a clear and safe view. If you’re prone to scratching the lenses of your protective eyewear, investing in this type could be a great solution.
3. Wrap-around safety glasses
Wrap-around safety glasses stand out from other types primarily due to their design. They provide complete eye protection by covering the areas surrounding the eyes, including the temples and brows. They offer optimal coverage against harmful particles, flying debris, and harsh UV rays.
Consider this CE-certified wrap-around safety glass. It’s lightweight, features soft arm tips and a rubber nose bridge for comfort, and anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings for added durability.
Where Should Safety Glasses Be Worn During Construction?
- Drilling, cutting, grinding, and demolition that can generate flying debris (I, W)
- Welding operations to protect against sparks, slag, and flying metal particles (I, W)
- Carpentry and woodworking to shield from splinters and sawdust (I, S, W)
- Mechanical and electrical work to guard against metal shavings, wires, and small parts (I, S, W)
- Painting and finishing work for protection from chemical and solvent splashes (S, W)
- Outdoor work with exposure to dust, dirt, and wind-blown articles (I, S, W)
Note: I is for impact-resistant, S is for scratch-resistant, and W is for wrap-around.
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