The selection of eye protection depends on the hazard, however, comfort, style and durability should also be considered. The main types of eye and face protection are as follows.

Safety Spectacles

Safety spectacles are similar in appearance to prescription spectacles but may incorporate optional side shields to give protection to the eyes from the side.  To protect against impact, the lenses are made from tough optical quality plastic such as polycarbonate.  Safety spectacles are generally light in weight and are available in several styles with either plastic or metal frames.  Most manufacturers offer a range of prescription safety spectacles which are individually matched to the wearer.

Eye-Shields

Eye shields are like safety spectacles but are heavier and designed with a frameless one-piece moulded lens.  Vision correction is not possible as the lenses cannot be interchanged.  Some eye-shields may be worn over prescription spectacles.

Look for:

• Full wrap-around lens
• Soft PVC Nose bridge
• Anti-mist polycarbonate lens
• Approved to EN 166 1F

Safety Goggles

Safety goggles are made with a flexible plastic frame and one or two lenses with a flexible elastic headband. They afford the eyes total protection from all angles as the whole rim of the goggle is in contact with the face. 

Goggles may have toughened glass lenses or wide vision plastic lenses.  The lenses are usually replaceable.  Safety goggles are more prone to misting than spectacles. 

Double glazed goggles or those treated with an anti-mist coating may be more effective where misting is a problem.  Where strenuous work is done in hot conditions, ‘direct ventilation’ goggles may be more suitable.  However, these are unsuitable for protection against chemicals, gases, and dust. 

‘Indirect ventilation’ goggles are not perforated but are fitted with baffled ventilators to prevent liquids and dust from entering.  Indirect ventilation goggles will not protect against gas or vapour.

Liquid and Dust Goggles

Look for the following qualities:

• Closed cell foam face seal goggle
• Non-vented to prevent dust and liquid ingress
• Wide adjustable elastic head strap
• Channel to accommodate prescription frames
• Compatible with disposable or half masks
• Anti fog, anti scratch and antistatic poly carbonate lenses
• Approved to EN 166 1B 34

Chemical Environment Goggles

Look for the following qualities

• High-impact acetate lens
• Non-vented to prevent dust and liquid ingress
• Wide neoprene head strap
• Channel to accommodate prescription frames
• Compatible with disposable half masks
• Anti-fog and anti-scratch acetate lens
• Approved to EN 166 1B 349

Goggles for Mechanical Tasks

Look for the following qualities:

• Indirect ventilation
• Wide adjustable elastic head strap
• Channel to accommodate prescription frames
• Compatible with disposable half masks
• Anti fog, anti scratch and anti static disposable lenses
• EN 166 1B 34

Face shields

Face shields are heavier and bulkier than other types of eye protection and have one large lens with a frame and are more comfortable if fitted with an adjustable head harness or if mounted on a helmet.

Face shields protect the face but do not fully enclose the eyes and therefore do not protect against dusts, mist or gases. Visors on brow guards or helmets are replaceable.  They may be worn over standard prescription spectacles and are generally not prone to misting. 

Look for:

• Face screen carrier with built in brow guard and option of chin guard
• Translucent frame offering an unrestricted field of vision and complete face protection
• Adjustable head band providing an adjustable and secure fit
• Choice of acetate or polycarbonate visors which may be sold separately
• Polycarbonate visors approved to BS EN 166 39B
• Acetate visors approved to BS EN 166 39F

Face shields with reflective metal screens permit good visibility while effectively deflecting heat and are useful in blast and open-hearth furnaces and other work involving radiant heat.

The following are examples of activities and processes carried out within the County Council involving a risk to the face and eyes and for which eye protectors should be used:  (It is not an exhaustive list.)

• Handling or coming into contact with acids, alkalis and corrosive or irritant substances;
• Working with power-driven tools where chippings are likely to fly or abrasive materials are propelled;
• Working with molten metal or other molten substances;
• During any welding operations where intense light or other optical radiation is emitted at levels liable to cause risk of injury;
• Working on any process using instruments that produce light amplification or radiation, and using any gas or vapour under pressure.

The main points to note about eye and face protection are as follows:

• Make sure the eye and face protection fits the user correctly and does not fall off easily. It should be issued on a personal basis.
• Consider misting and fogging. Anti-mist and ventilated eye protection is available.
• Store eye protection in a protective case.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning, not forgetting headbands and frames. Use only anti-mist, cleaning and anti-static fluids and cloths recommended by the manufacture.
• Do not use the eye and face protection when visibility is noticeably reduced (for example, the lenses are deeply scratched or worn) or the frame, headband or harness are deformed. When this happens throw them away and replace them.
• Eye protectors should be issued on a personal basis and used only by the person they are issued to. If eye protectors are re-issued they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.  Eye protectors should be protected by being placed in suitable cases when not in use.  For example, goggle bags which double as lens wipes.

 The lenses of eye protectors must be kept clean as dirty lenses restrict vision, which can cause eye fatigue and lead to accidents.   

• The manufacturer’s/suppliers instructions should be followed for the appropriate cleaning method. Anti-static and anti-fog lens cleaning fluids may be used; daily if static or misting is a problem.
• Eye protector headbands should be replaced when worn out or damaged.

Lenses that are scratched or pitted must be replaced as they may impair vision and their resistance to impact may be impaired. Transparent face shields must be replaced when warped, scratched or have become brittle with age.