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Originally Posted On: https://www.bunzlsafety.com.au/article/271/choosing-the-right-safety-glasses-for-the-job

When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), one size does not fit all – especially concerning safety glasses. The right pair can mean the difference between a day’s work and a career-ending injury. With numerous options available, selecting the best safety glasses for your needs can be daunting. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, laboratory work, or any field requiring eye protection, understanding the key features to look for will help you make an informed decision. With top-quality choices from Bunzl Safety & Lifting’s  Mack and Frontier ranges, finding the perfect fit has never been easier.

Understand the Hazards

The first step in choosing the right safety glasses is understanding the specific hazards present in your workplace. Are you exposed to flying debris, hazardous liquids, or potentially harmful light radiation? The nature of the risk will determine the type of protection you need. For instance, safety glasses with side protection are essential in environments with flying debris, while safety goggles might be necessary for chemical exposure. Recognising these hazards is the first step in selecting eyewear that not only protects your vision but also supports your performance on the job:

1. Physical Hazards: Flying Debris, Dust, and Particles
   

   In environments where machinery, cutting tools, or other mechanical processes are in operation, flying debris such as wood chips, metal fragments, or even dust particles can pose a significant risk to the eyes. For these settings, safety glasses with side shields or wrap-around protection offer an effective barrier, preventing particles from entering the eye from the front or sides.

2. Chemical Hazards: Splashes and Vapours
   

   Laboratories, manufacturing plants, and cleaning operations often involve the handling of chemicals, where the risk of splashes or exposure to harmful vapours is high. In such cases, traditional safety glasses may not offer sufficient protection. Instead, safety goggles, which provide a secure seal around the eyes, are recommended. These are designed to resist fogging and provide clear vision while offering protection against chemical splashes and vapours.

3. Radiation Hazards: Ultraviolet, Infrared, and Laser Light
   

   Workers exposed to harmful light radiation, such as those in welding, medical, or laser operations, require eyewear that can filter out specific wavelengths of light. Safety glasses or goggles with special lens coatings or filters can protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays, infrared (IR) radiation, and laser light, preventing eye damage from exposure. The selection of the appropriate filter or coating depends on the source of radiation and its intensity.

Lens Material Matters

Safety glasses come in various lens materials, each offering different levels of protection and clarity. Polycarbonate lenses are popular for their impact resistance and light weight, making them suitable for high-risk environments. For those working in areas where scratches are a concern, models with scratch-resistant coating, such as the Mack Chronos Safety Spectacles or New Frontier VX3 Safety Glasses, provide added durability.

Fit and Comfort

A proper fit is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of safety glasses. Ill-fitting glasses can slip or create gaps, compromising protection. Look for adjustable features, such as nose bridges and temple lengths, to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. The Mack and Frontier lines offer a variety of styles designed to accommodate different face shapes and sizes, ensuring your safety glasses stay in place no matter the job.

Lens Tint and Coatings

Different tasks require different lens tints and coatings. For outdoor work, tinted lenses can help reduce glare and eyestrain. Anti-fog coatings are invaluable in environments where temperature changes are common, ensuring clear vision at all times. The Frontier Vision X Safety Specs Clear Lens is ideal for anti-fog and anti-scratch lenses, providing clear and unobstructed vision in any condition.

Compliance and Standards

When selecting safety eyewear for any job, it’s imperative to consider compliance with recognised Australian standards. Safety glasses and goggles should meet or exceed requirements set by the Australian New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS), specifically:

• AS/NZS 1337.1: 2010 for eye and face protectors for occupational applications. This standard ensures that the eyewear offers sufficient protection against common workplace hazards such as flying particles and fragments, splashes of chemicals, and harmful UV radiation.
• AS/NZS 1067: 2003 for sunglasses and fashion spectacles. Although more relevant for outdoor work environments, this standard outlines requirements for UV protection, making it pertinent for tasks that involve exposure to natural sunlight.

Choosing eyewear certified to these standards ensures that the product has undergone rigorous testing for impact resistance, optical clarity, durability, and UV protection. This not only helps in safeguarding workers’ eyes but also in promoting a culture of safety within the workplace.

Style and Personal Preference

While safety is the fundamental concern, there’s no reason you can’t wear glasses that also look good. A stylish pair of safety glasses can boost wearer compliance, ensuring that employees are more likely to wear them consistently. Bunzl Safety & Lifting’s  Mack and Frontier ranges offer modern, stylish options that workers will be proud to wear, blending safety with panache.

Choosing the right safety glasses for the job is a critical decision that can protect you from potential eye injuries. By considering the specific hazards of your workplace, lens materials, fit, lens tint, compliance standards, and personal style preferences, you can select a pair of safety glasses that offer optimal protection and comfort. When it comes to safety eyewear, making the right choice not only protects your vision – it ensures you can keep focusing on the work at hand.

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