Why Wear Eye Protection?

Reviewed by Peter Kendall, Technical Support Engineer (April 2024)

Eye protection is crucial in a wide range of industries and applications. This article offers valuable insights into the importance of eye protection, the appropriate situations to use it in, the various types available, and tips for its upkeep and care. By understanding the importance of eye protection, you can defend your eyes against potential risks, stay safe, and prevent lasting damage.

The use of eye protection is vital in various industries to avoid serious eye injuries and ensure safety. Here are some compelling reasons why eye protection should not be overlooked:

1. Prevention of Eye Injuries: Wearing eye protection shields your eyes from potential hazards. Whether you're handling chemicals or operating machinery, your eyes are susceptible to flying debris, particles, and harmful substances. Safety glasses or goggles serve as a physical barrier, mitigating the risk of eye injuries
2. Regulatory Compliance: Numerous industries, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, have specific regulations requiring eye protection. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures employees' safety but also helps organisations avoid legal repercussions
3. Infection Prevention: In healthcare settings, eye protection is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Healthcare professionals frequently encounter bodily fluids, chemicals, and microorganisms that can cause eye infections. Protective eyewear, such as face shields or goggles, protects against splashes and droplets

The following facts about eye injuries underscore eye protection's importance:

• Each year, eye injuries affect thousands of individuals, with many resulting in partial or permanent vision loss
• Workplace-related eye injuries constitute a large portion of all reported eye injuries
• Many eye injuries are preventable with the correct use of eye protection

Not using eye protection can have severe long-term consequences. Eye injuries can lead to vision impairment or blindness, impacting quality of life and daily task performance. Injuries may also necessitate extensive medical treatment, including surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the emotional and psychological impact of vision loss can be significant, affecting mental health and overall well-being.

By prioritising eye protection and employing appropriate eyewear for specific tasks, you can decrease the risk of eye injuries.

Eye protection should be used in applications and environments where eye injury is possible. It's crucial to prioritise eye safety to avoid potential hazards and protect your vision.

In industrial environments, such as manufacturing, construction, and engineering, eye protection is essential due to the presence of flying debris, chemical splashes, and harmful substances. Workers operating machinery or power tools should also wear suitable eye protection to shield their eyes from potential projectiles and particles.

In laboratories or medical facilities, eye protection is necessary when working with hazardous materials, chemicals, or infectious agents. Safety goggles or face shields should be worn to prevent accidental exposure to harmful liquids or substances.

In the UK, eye protection requirements are regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. These regulations mandate that employers must provide suitable eye protection to employees when an eye injury is possible due to work activities. Employers are responsible for assessing workplace hazards and providing appropriate eye protection.

By wearing suitable eye protection, you can significantly reduce your risk of eye injury. However, it's essential to select the right eye protection for the specific task or environment to ensure maximum safety.

There are different types of eye protection available, each designed for specific uses and environments. They include:

• Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are the most common form of eye protection. They are lightweight, comfortable, feature impact-resistant lenses, and are typically used in industrial settings, construction sites, and laboratories. They provide basic protection against flying debris, dust, and chemicals, but may not provide adequate protection against liquid splashes or hazardous vapours
• Safety Goggles: Safety goggles offer better coverage and higher protection levels than safety glasses. They form a seal around the entire eye area, protecting against liquids, gases, and fine particles, but they may fog and reduce visibility. Safety goggles are commonly used in chemical labs, medical facilities, and woodworking
• Face Shields: Face shields provide full-face protection and are ideal for tasks involving high-velocity impact hazards, such as grinding, cutting, or welding. Their design means they may obstruct peripheral vision, but they're often used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles to provide comprehensive protection
• Over Glasses: These are designed to fit over most prescription glasses and provide minimal interference. They offer excellent coverage and field of vision, combined with high-impact protection

Selecting the right type of eye protection depends on the specific hazards you may encounter. Consider the nature of the task, the level of risk involved, and the required level of protection. It's also essential to consult safety guidelines and regulations to ensure compliance.

• Polycarbonate Lenses: Many models of eye protection use polycarbonate lenses. These offer the highest level of impact protection tested under EN 166. They are lightweight and protect from UV radiation
• Acetate and CR39 Lenses: Acetate and CR39 lenses offer excellent protection against chemicals while still providing general impact protection
• Anti-Fog Lenses: Ventilated versions give extra aeration to an anti-fog lens but still offer liquid and chemical splash protection. Non-ventilated or sealed types also conform to liquid and chemical splash requirements and provide dust protection

Eye protection signs indicate areas where eye protection is mandatory. These signs are typically displayed in workplaces, construction sites, and laboratories to remind workers to wear appropriate eye protection. They serve as a visual reminder and help create a safer working environment.

Eye protection is crucial to prevent injuries and maintain employee safety. Several common hazards necessitate eye protection:

In industries such as construction, manufacturing, and woodworking, there is a risk of flying debris, such as dust, metal particles, or wood chips, getting into the eyes. Mechanical risks also encompass grinding work, particle projections, metal filing projections, and debris from tools.

To guarantee mechanical risk protection, the lens and the frame must display the F, B, or A symbol. In the event that the symbols differ, the symbol that represents the lowest resistance is applied to the entire protection.

Electrical risks include short-circuit electric arcs and live contact. Look for eye protection with the 8 symbol indicated on both the lens and the frame to guarantee electrical risk protection.

This hazard encompasses intense heat radiation, sprays of hot solids or liquids, and radiating furnace heat. For protection against thermal risks, choose safety goggles with the 9 symbol indicated on the lens and the frame.

Welding, laser operations, steelworks, surgery, and other activities involving intense light or optical radiation can harm the eyes if proper protection is not used. Eye exposure to infrared, ultraviolet, high-intensity, and visible sources of light can be harmful.

Laboratories, chemical plants, and industries dealing with hazardous substances pose a threat of chemical exposure, splashing, or spraying into the eyes, causing severe damage. Chemical risks also include aerosols, toxic dust, dangerous liquids, gases, and toxic vapours.

The 3, 4, and 5 symbols must be indicated on the frame. If none of these symbols is indicated in the markings, the equipment is not suitable for chemical risks.

Eye protection is subject to various European standards to ensure compliance with safety regulations. It’s essential to understand the following:

• F: Maximum protection for glasses
• B: Maximum protection for goggles
• A: Maximum protection for face shields

If the S, F, B, A, and T symbols do not apply to both the lens and frame, the lowest level must be assigned to the complete protective eyewear.

The European Standards applicable to eye protection are:

• EN 166: Guarantee of minimum protection against everyday risks, such as sun-ageing, heat exposure, and corrosion
• EN 167: Optical test methods
• EN 168: Test methods other than optical

Standards by type of application are identified by a code (field of use) on the lens marking:

• EN 169: Welding filters
• EN 170: Ultraviolet filters (code 2 or 3)
• EN 171: Infrared filters (code 4)
• EN 172: Industrial use solar protection filters (code 5 or 6)
• EN 175: Equipment for welding (presence of EN 175 on the product)
• EN 207: Laser protection glasses (codes LB1 to LB10)
• EN 208: Laser adjustment glasses (codes R1 to R5)
• EN 379: Specification covering welding filters

When it comes to frame markings, the frame must include:

• CE symbol
• Manufacturer
• Use and strength symbols (see table below)
• EN standard (if applicable)

Finally, lens markings must include:

• The scale number for filtering lenses (code)
• The manufacturer's name (logo or brand recommended by the manufacturer)

The minimum level of certified eye protection depends on the specific hazards present in the workplace. Safety standards, such as EN 166 in the UK, classify eye protection into different levels of impact resistance and optical clarity. Selecting eye protection that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for the identified hazards is essential.

Proper upkeep and care of your eye protection is crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Here are some important steps to follow:

• Regularly clean safety glasses to maintain clear vision. Using lukewarm water, rinse to remove dust and debris. Next, wash both sides of the lenses with glasses cleaner or mild soap. Wipe the lenses gently with a soft cloth to remove any marks or smudges. Rinse again with water and dry with a clean cloth
• Regularly inspect eye protection for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks, scratches, or broken parts, it's time to replace your safety glasses. Additionally, if the lenses have become cloudy or foggy and cannot be cleaned, they may no longer provide adequate protection and should be replaced
• Properly store eye protection glasses when they’re not being used. Always keep them in a protective pouch or case to avoid scratches and dust accumulation. Avoid placing them in areas with extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as this can cause the materials to deteriorate

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your PPE remains in optimal condition, providing you with the necessary eye protection safety.