Eye Protection

Eye and Face Protection

Suitable eye protectors such as Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, face shields, visors must be provided where there is a potential for injury to the eyes or face from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, potential injurious light radiation, or a combination of these. Every protector shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer and must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed
• Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions
• Fit snugly without interfering with the movements or vision of the wearer
• Be durable
• Be capable of being disinfected
• Be easily cleanable
• Be kept clean and in good repair.

Some of the most common types of eye and face protection include the following;

Safety spectacles; These protective eyeglasses have safety frames constructed of metal or plastic and impact-resistant lenses. Side shields are available on some models.

Goggles; These are tight-fitting eye protection that completely cover the eyes, eye sockets and the facial area immediately surrounding the eyes and provide protection from impact, dust and splashes.

Welding shields; Constructed of vulcanized fiber or fiberglass and fitted with a filtered lens, welding shields protect eyes from burns caused by infrared or intense radiant light; they also protect both the eyes and face from flying sparks, metal spatter and slag chips produced during welding, brazing, soldering and cutting operations.

Laser safety goggles; These specialty goggles protect against intense concentrations of light produced by lasers. The type of laser safety goggles an employee chooses will depend upon the equipment and operating conditions in the workplace.

Face shields; These transparent sheets of plastic extend from the eyebrows to below the chin and across the entire width of the wearers’ head. Some are polarized for glare protection. Face shields protect against nuisance dusts and potential splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids but will not provide adequate protection against impact hazards. Face shields used in combination with goggles or safety spectacles will provide additional protection against impact hazards.