Personal Protective Equipment - Eye Protection

The majority of impact injuries result from flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Most of these objects are smaller than a pin head and can cause serious injury such as punctures, abrasions, and contusions. While working in a hazardous area where the worker is exposed to flying objects, fragments, and particles, primary protective devices such as safety spectacles with side shields or goggles must be worn. Secondary protective devices such as face shields are required in conjunction with primary protective devices during severe exposure to impact hazards.

Personal protective equipment devices for impact hazards: Safety Spectacles: Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes from a variety of impact hazards.
Safety Goggles: Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against flying fragments, objects, large chips, and particles.
Face Shields: Secondary protectors intended to protect the entire face against exposure to impact hazards.

Safety spectacles are intended to shield the wearer's eyes from impact hazards such as flying fragments, objects, large chips, and particles. Workers are required to use eye safety spectacles with side shields when there is a hazard from flying objects. Non-side shield spectacles are not acceptable eye protection for impact hazards. [29 CFR 1910.133(a)(2) and 29 CFR 1915.153(a)(2)]

The frames of safety spectacles are constructed of metal and/or plastic and can be fitted with either corrective or plano impact-resistant lenses. Side shields may be incorporated into the frames of safety spectacles when needed. Consider each component of safety spectacles when selecting the appropriate device for your workplace.

Lenses

The lenses of safety spectacles are designed to resist moderate impact from flying objects and particles.

Plano Lenses:

• Should be used by workers who do not require vision correction.
• May be flat or curved.
• Are available in clear, filtered, or tinted lenses.
• May include removable lenses.

Prescription (Rx) Lenses:

• Should be used by workers who require vision correction.
• May be clear, filtered, or tinted.
• May include removable lenses.

Frames

The safety spectacle frames must fit comfortably and correctly to offer the necessary protection. Spatula Temples:

• Fit over the ear.
• Can be either fixed or adjustable.
• Are available in metal or plastic.

Cable Temples:

• Fit around the ear.
• Can be either fixed or adjustable.
• Are available in metal or plastic.

Headband Temples:

• Are easily adjustable for a secure fit.
• Are useful for tasks requiring movement.

Bridges:

• Are available in a variety of sizes.
• Are available in fixed or adjustable types.
• May have adjustable nose pads with pliable arms.

Side Shields

Side shields provide angular protection from impact hazards in addition to frontal protection.

Flatfold or Semi Side Shields:

• May be part of or attached to the temple.
• Are permanent or removable.
• Are solid or ventilated.
• Are tinted or clear.

Full (cup) Side Shields may be:

• Removable
• Wire screen
• Tinted or clear

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