How do safety glasses work?

What are safety glasses?

Why do we need to wear safety glasses?

How do safety glasses protect us!

1. Safety glasses protect us when they are worn
    This may sound silly but it’s true. The National Institute for Occupational Health cites that 2,000 workers a day injure their eyes on the job and seek medical treatment. Many of these people were not wearing eye protection. With all of the advances in safety practices, the biggest barrier we experience is human laziness or forgetfulness. The most important way safety glasses can protect us is when they are properly worn. 
   
   
2. Safety glasses protect us when the frames are ANSI approved 
   Safety glasses come in all different shapes, sizes and colors but they all have something in common. Safety glasses with tinted lenses fall under the same safety requirements as clear safety glasses.  Even small safety glasses for children are required to be tested and approved.  They all have to pass the ANSI impact standard. They have to be stronger than prescription eyewear or recreational sunglasses. Manufacturers have designed deeper groves to secure lenses in the frame The hinges are more rugged to withstand impact. Many safety glasses have adjustable temples so the frames can be set close to the face, closing gaps where dust, dirt, metal, liquids or other objects can get in. Again, only glasses with the ANSI Z87.1 marking have been tested to protect your eyes. 
   
   
3. Safety glasses protect us when lenses meet or exceed the ANSI standard 
   All safety glasses must pass the impact test. A projectile is shot at a high rate of speed in various parts of the frame and lens to test the durability of the glasses. The lens would easily shatter if standard plastic or glass lenses were used. Special safety plastic known as “polycarbonate” is used to make safety glass lenses. This bullet proof type material is used in various thicknesses for security at banks or jails. Look for the manufacturers marking on the lens, signifying it has been tested and approved by ANSI. 
   
   
4. Safety glasses protect us when the design incorporates side-shields and brow guards
   Years ago, safety glasses looked like they were from the 1950’s. Because of their design, safety glass manufacturers had to add side shields and eyebrow guards into the frames. Side-shields were riveted in place so debris could not get into the eye from the side. Eyebrow guards helped keep dirt, metal and other objects from falling down the face from above the eyes. Newer designs have incorporated both the side shield and brow guard into the shape of the glasses so you don’t even notice them being different than most popular sunglasses. 
   
   
5. Safety glasses protect us when safe work practices are used  
   Safety glasses will only protect you from minor impact. Always follow proper safety procedures. Always keep your safety glasses securely on your face, protecting your eyes. If you will be working with grinding wheels, chemicals, welding applications or lasers, standard safety glasses will not protect you. Additional personal protection equipment (PPE) will be required. For example, you may be blinded by a fragmented grinding wheel if you wear safety glasses. A face shield should be worn over safety glasses to help reduce the potential for injury. 
   
   
6. Safety glasses protect us when they are regularly inspected and maintained 
   It is important to clean and inspect your safety glasses before each use. Look for cracks, chips, scratches or any other form of wear or damage that might have previously occurred. Even minor damage can influence the effectiveness of the glasses. Scratched lenses can weaken the material, causing it to fail during impact. Weakened hinges can reduce the performance of impact resistance from side impact. 

Safety glasses for schools and smaller faces

Additional Resources

• Workplace Eye Safety Quiz
• Vocational School Safety Eyewear
• Eye safety in schools
• How to clean and disinfect safety glasses
• Classroom safety checklist
• 7 reasons why workplace safety is important

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