Protecting Workers' Eyes from Infrared Radiation

Every day in smelters, foundries and heat-emitting industries across Australia, workers’ eyes are exposed to infrared radiation (IR). They do precision work, often wearing safety goggles with scratched and foggy lenses. They spend hours working in stifling heat, with glasses that pinch, slip and chafe.The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is well publicised and understood. Yet the risks of IR, particularly to eyes, are not widely known, potentially leaving workers unprotected with safety glasses that are not up to the job.

Safeguard eyes, boost productivity

While skin quickly communicates sensitivity to heat, eyes don’t give the same warning signs. Studies show workers may experience a range of eye problems, including cataracts and retinal damage, when exposed to intense heat and thermal radiation over a period of time.

The innovative IR-ex range of infrared safety glasses from uvex is brand new to the market. Wearers can enjoy dual, high-level UV and IR protection, along with outstanding colour recognition, light detection and clarity. When you protect precious eye health, also increasing user comfort, you help your frontline staff to work longer and more efficiently. Definitely a win-win.

uvex IR-ex changing the game for eye protection

uvex pheos cx2 and uvex super F OTG are shaking up the market, offering:

• Premium IR protection, in accordance with European standard EN171.
• 100% UV400 protection.
• Durable, medium impact protection, in accordance with AS/NZS 1337.1.
• The first grey-tinted lenses available in IR safety spectacles, offering perfect colour recognition and signal light detection for enhanced safety and performance (superior to conventional blue and green tints).
• uvex’s signature supravision infradur plus coating, for extreme scratch resistance (lens exterior) and permanent anti-fogging (lens interior).

The uvex super F OTG offers comfortable fit over most prescription glasses, providing a low-cost alternative to safety prescription eyewear for workers and site visitors.The cx2 features a soft brow guard injection-moulded onto the lens, protecting eyes from dust and debris.

uvex safety glasses in action

Who needs uvex IR-ex safety glasses? Pretty much everyone exposed to infrared or thermal radiation in their working day. This includes at smelters, foundries, blast furnaces and glass processing or production facilities. Trades, gas welders, blacksmiths and even DIYers can also be impacted.

• In front of the furnace in a glass processing/production plant.
• Staring directly into naked flames on the factory floor.
• Melting down ores at 1300 degrees Celsius plus.
• Those exposed to peripheral infrared exposure in welding environments.
• Thermal heat on the blacksmith’s forge.
• Cutting metal at home for renovators/DIYers.

More workers need to wear premium eye protection, for longer periods of time, says James Dibou, Product Manager Eyewear for uvex safety Australia and New Zealand. “There’s not enough knowledge out there about eye damage caused by IR exposure. We want to educate companies about the problem, show them the solution, and help change workplace behaviours in a lasting way.”

As Australia’s largest provider of industrial and safety equipment, Blackwoods has all your job requirements covered. Shop the new uvex IR-ex range on site.

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