Which Safety Goggles for Which Environment?

Splash hazards, dust, debris, improper use of tools, malfunctioning equipment, breaks in concentration, being in the wrong spot at the wrong time…There are many reasons why you may need safety goggles in your workplace. And there are many things you will need to know, starting with the well-worn adage about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): One size does not fit all.

Unfortunately, too many workers either do not wear correctly fitted safety goggles or are wearing the wrong type of protective eyewear for their job. As a starting point, you must research and understand your workplace; if it is subject to splash hazards, airborne dust, or flying debris, you should consider using safety goggles as a better option than safety glasses. Although safety glasses are designed to protect your eyes, they can have small gaps that may leave the wearer vulnerable; this includes wraparound glasses.

"Unlike safety glasses, safety goggles have tight form-fitting facial seals that provide thorough protection. They are appropriate for environments that are dusty, where various types of grinding occur, or where there are chemicals, including caustic vapours, for example workplaces such as assembly lines, mechanic shops, and laboratories,” says Rimma Shabanova of Bollé Safety.

There are several types of safety goggles. These include:

• Direct Vent: With multiple perforations that enable fog-reducing airflow. These are used for impact protection, but are not suitable for protection from liquids, dust or caustic vapours.
• Indirect Vent: With covered vents that increase air flow. Provide better protection from splash hazards and dust but shouldn’t be used when caustic vapours are present.
• Non-vented: With complete seal, but no vents. Suitable against splash, dust, caustic vapours, and impact, and can come with an anti-fog coating or require anti-fog spray.

You might not win a fashion contest by wearing safety goggles, but if you use them properly, you will protect your eyes. As with all PPE, make sure your safety goggles specifically suit you and your workplace.

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