Types of eye protection

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.