One of the worst industrial accidents can be the loss of eyesight so it is critical that employers insist that workers wear certified protective eyewear. In previous years, this has meant wearing big, bulky and mainly unattractive eyewear. Today, this eyewear has become a lot more stylish so it makes wearing safety glasses more comfortable and not so embarrassing. Some things to look for when buying protective personal eyewear are that the lenses are made of polycarbonate. They are stronger than regular lenses and most importantly, they are impact resistant. This means they will not shatter when the lenses are hit by something. You can also get polycarbonate lenses in your prescription safety glasses. If you choose to, you can wear approved goggles over your regular eyewear as an option. Whatever you do, make sure you buy brand name safety glasses that are fully certified.
The proper fit and care of your eyewear will ensure the best protection when you need it most. There are a number of styles and sizes to choose from so make sure to follow these tips when making your selection. To ensure your safety glasses fit properly, the temples should fit comfortably over the ears. The frame should be as close to the face as possible and there should be good support by the bridge on the nose. These same guidelines apply to prescription safety glasses. With goggles, make sure they have a good snug fit. If they are too large, they may shift on your face at the worst possible time.
The care and maintenance of your safety glasses will keep their integrity at the highest level. It is critical you clean your eyewear daily and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to avoid rough handling that can scratch or damage lenses or frames. You may think a few scratches are no big deal but they can actually impair your vision or weaken your lenses. Be sure to keep them in a dry, clean environment in a protective case when you are not wearing them. If you have to replace damaged parts, you can do so but make sure to buy identical parts from the original manufacturer to get the same safety rating. Again, the same guidelines apply to your prescription safety glasses and goggles.