With the risk of chemicals or molten metal splashes, filings spinning from a drill-bit, hazardous dust and vapours hitting
our eyes (to name but a few), we can understand why safety eyewear are an essential part of our PPE. However, when
it comes to fogging or scratched lenses, it’s not hard to see why these present a further risk, and the two main reasons
workers remove or avoid wearing them.
To help prevent this problem, employers should protect their employees with the appropriate safety eyewear, containing lenses that have been treated with an effective anti-fog or anti-scratch coating. And when we say ‘effective’, it’s important to note that not all coatings are created equal.
In helping make the best decisions about the most appropriate eyewear, the Australia-New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1337.1:2010, outlines the minimum requirements for non-prescription eye and face protectors and other protective eyewear. The Standard aims to assist in the provision of safe, efficient, and comfortable vision in an occupational situation, including consideration to protect against sun glare and optical radiation in a natural environment.
SO, WHAT DOES THE AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 STANDARD TEST FOR?
Several requirements need to be met before any eye protection can meet the Standard; Optical properties, lateral protection, and impact resistance are just some however, two areas the standard does not test for, is fogging and the
scratching of the lens area. This can pose a significant safety issue for workers.
Most manufacturers offer some type of Anti-fog and or Anti-scratch treatments to their safety eyewear, however, Blackwoods knows from user feedback that not all anti-fog safety and or anti-scratch treatments are created equal.
To help benchmark product performance outside of AS/NZS 1337.1 2010, some manufacturers go a step further to have their products tested, under the European Standard EN 166, specifically the K and N labels.
WHAT DO THE K & N LABELS MEAN?
“Anyone familiar with the European Standards would know of K and N labels and their meaning. K relates to surface resistance from small particles, while N is resistance to lens fogging in humid environments including those with persistent condensation,” says Nic Williams, Blackwoods, Product Development Manager.
“The new PROSAFE KOORBAT and KOWAR styles meet the K and N testing requirements.” Both PROSAFE styles contain a premium Anti-fog and Antiscratch coating in both clear and smoke lenses. This coating is applied in a proprietary dipping process and then heat-treated to permanently bond to the lens. By using safety glasses with effective coatings helps safeguard workers to help them see clearly for long periods, helping them stay safe and more productive in most environmental conditions.