What Are the Different Types of Safety Eyewear?
The importance of safety in the workplace cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable asset: our eyes. Safety eyewear plays a crucial role in protecting workers from potential hazards.
This article explores the different types of safety eyewear, their uses, and the standards they must meet to guarantee adequate protection for workers.
What are the risks of inadequate eye protection?
Failure to use proper eye protection can result in a severe injury, including:
- Chemical burns
- Foreign objects causing injury
- Exposure to radiation, infrared or UV rays leading to visual impairment
- Chronic eye disease caused by prolonged exposure to harmful substances
When do you need eye protection?
Eye protection is essential in environments where there is a risk of:
- Flying particles or debris
- Chemical splashes
- Intense light and radiation (e.g., welding)
- Infectious fluids
Important!
Employers have a responsibility to provide their employees with the appropriate safety glasses and to ensure that they are worn correctly.
Learn more in this e-book!What are the different types of safety glasses and how are they used?
Commonly used for general protection against minor hazards such as dust and particles. They are comfortable and lightweight. They can also offer protection against UV radiation. Ideal for laboratories and construction sites.
These glasses are worn over ordinary eyeglasses. They are ideal for people who already wear glasses and need extra eye protection. They offer the same protection as conventional safety glasses.
These goggles fully cover the eyes and eye area. They offer maximum protection against impact, chemicals, dust, flying debris and gases. They are often used in hazardous environments, such as chemical laboratories or construction sites.
These shields protect not only the eyes but also the face and neck. They are often used in environments where there is a risk of splashing liquids or dangerous particles. These shields usually protect against intense light and radiation, preventing burns and eye damage. These include welding helmets, hoods and visors.
The different types of lenses for safety glasses
Hi-Vex
Renowned for their high impact resistance and clarity, Hi-Vex lenses are ideal for high-impact environments.
Polycarbonate
Lightweight and highly impact-resistant, polycarbonate lenses are ideal for most industrial applications.
Plastic
Affordable and lightweight, but with lower impact resistance than polycarbonate.
Trivex
Combines the lightness of polycarbonate with superior optical clarity and impact resistance.
Glass
Offers excellent optical clarity and scratch resistance, but is heavier and less impact-resistant.
What should I know about lens colors?
Different lens colors can improve vision and protection in different environments:
Clear: for general use
Tinted: Reduces glare and enhances contrast
Yellow: Improves visibility in low light
Blue: Reduces glare from digital screens
To learn more about the types of eyeglass tints, we have a video for you!
Watch the videoWhat are the standards for safety eyewear?
In Canada, safety eyewear must comply with CSA Group standards, specifically CSA Z94.3, which defines performance and testing requirements for eye and face protectors.
This Canadian standard specifies requirements for eye and face protection, ensuring that safety eyewear provides adequate protection against the hazards it is designed to mitigate. It's important to note that CSA standard Z94.3.1 calls for special attention to be paid to the fit of safety eyewear, and recommends that the fit be assessed every 2 years. The 3M Eyewear Fit System is available for free and can be obtained by contacting your SPI representative.
Here are 3M's recommendations for fit testing
To learn more about the standards for safety eyewear, we have an e-book designed in partnership with 3M!
What other features should I look for in safety eyewear?
- Anti-scratch: coatings that prevent scratches, prolonging lens life.
- Anti-fog: coatings that prevent fogging, ensuring clear vision in variable or humid temperatures.
- Blue light blockers: protect eyes from the harmful effects of blue light emitted by digital screens.
- UV protection: protects against harmful ultraviolet rays, which is essential for outdoor work.
- Impact resistance: essential for environments with flying debris or particles, ensuring that lenses don’t shatter on impact.
- Side and top shields: provide additional protection to prevent particles from entering the eyes from the sides or top.
Always keep an eye on safety!
Safety eyewear is an indispensable part of workplace safety, ensuring that workers are protected from a wide range of hazards. By understanding the different types, fits and standards, employers and employees can make informed decisions to maintain optimal eye safety.
