Safety Specs, Goggles & Visors

Safety Specs - Safety Glasses - Safety Goggles

Safety specs, also known as safety glasses, are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) for eye protection used to prevent eye injuries. They help provide protection against impact as well as UV rays, IR rays, and visible glare. Safety specs are made from materials that are highly resistant to impact such as polycarbonate which can withstand the force of high-speed projectiles. 

Safety goggles are typically designed to fit snugly around the eyes, forming a seal to protect against liquids, gases, and vapours. Safety goggles offer more comprehensive protection than safety specs as they will have a soft inner seal, often foam or rubber, to seal the gap between the lens and the user’s face. 

The choice between safety specs and goggles will depend on the specific hazards present in the workplace, as well as the worker’s comfort and preference. 

It is important to choose the right type of eye protection and ensure that it is properly maintained and used to prevent eye injuries. 

Factors to consider when choosing a safety spec or safety google

• Lens Size of the lens is important because it can impact the level of protection. A larger lens size can provide more coverage for the eyes, protecting them from more angles and reducing the risk of injury from flying debris or other hazards.
• Lens Shape can impact the level of protection as well. A properly fitting lens shape will cover the eyes and reduce the risk of debris entering from the sides or underneath the glasses.
• Optical Clarity of the lens is important for clear vision and visual comfort. A lens with low optical clarity can cause visual discomfort, headaches, and eyestrain, which can impact the user’s productivity and safety. 
• Lens Protective Properties may include:
  • Anti-Scratch: property involves hard coating on the lens that helps prevent scratches and extend the life of the lens.
  • Anti-Mist/Anti-Fog: property involves a coating on the lens that helps prevent fogging and maintain clear vision, particularly in humid environments or when wearing a mask. 
  • Anti-Glare (EN172): property involves coating on the lens that helps to reduce glare from bright lights or reflective surfaces, improving visibility and reducing eye strain. 
  • Welding Filters (EN169): are lenses with a specific shade that protects the eyes from intense light and harmful UV and IR radiation generated by welding. The shade of the lens used depends on the type of welding being performed.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) Filters (EN 170): are lenses that help to block harmful UV radiation.
• Comfort and fit: safety specs or goggles that are not comfortable can compromise safety as well as impact your performance at work. For improved comfort and fit, look for protection with adjustable headbands, or temple arms, cushioning, and lightweight build materials.
• Mechanical Strength of lens is important to withstand impact and abrasion. 
• Side-arm Style and design can impact the comfort and fit of the safety specs. Adjustable side arms can provide a more secure fit and make safety specs more comfortable to wear for extended periods. 
• Over-Spectacles: Over glasses safety specs are a specific style of safety specs  designed to fit over regular eyeglasses. They are ideal for individuals who need corrective eyewear to see clearly and also require eye protection in the workplace. 
• Ventilation: safety goggles create a sealed environment around the eyes which can cause heat and moisture to build up inside the goggle. Therefore, ventilation is important to prevent fogging which can impair vision and create a safety hazard.  

Safety Visors

Safety visors, also known as face shields, are also a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the eyes and face from workplace hazards. Safety specs and safety goggles protect the eyes only, while safety visors protect the face as well as the eyes. Visors are generally larger than safety specs and goggles and provide a wider field of vision. 

Safety visors are ideal for applications where workers need to be able to see the work area around them such as when working with power tools or machinery. They may also be suitable for jobs where eye protection is required for longer periods of time because safety visors are more comfortable to wear compared to safety goggles as they do not apply direct pressure directly to the eyes.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (PPER 1992) places a duty on every employer in Great Britain to ensure that suitable PPE is provided to ‘employees’ who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work. The aforementioned legislation also dictates the employer ensure that any PPE provided to his employees is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.

The PPER 1992 regulation was amended on 6th April 2022 with Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (PPER 2022). The duties and responsibilities of employers and employees under the PPER 2022 are the same as PPER 1992 but extended to limb (b) workers. 

Eye protection equipment such as safety specs and goggles must conform to European standard EN166. The standard defines the minimum level of performance that eye protection equipment must meet to ensure adequate protection to the wearer. The standard has been adopted by many countries outside Europe as well, and is recognised as a benchmark for eye protection equipment globally. 

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