Key Tips You Should Know About Eye Protection

When considering hazards to the eye, dangers can generally be divided into three categories: mechanical, chemical and radiation. Depending on each hazard class, selecting appropriate eyewear is critical. Otherwise, even if workers are wearing eyewear, accidents and injuries can occur if the wrong type is chosen – in other words, if eyewear unsuitable for the task is selected. Mechanical eyewear primarily protects the eye against objects that may come from the front. Generally, they feature clear, amber and grey tinted lenses. These eyewear types mainly provide protection against UV rays. Fully enclosed eyewear is recommended for use in situations requiring higher protection, such as chemical risks and dusty environments. Welding lens eyewear compliant with EN 169 standard should be used in work involving radiation emission, such as oxygen cutting. Eyewear features certain markings according to EN 166 standard. By examining these markings, detailed information about the eyewear can be obtained. According to EN 166 standard, these markings must be present on both the lens surface and on the frame. Impact test and optical class are among the most important of these parameters. In the impact test, a steel ball weighing 0.86 grams is dropped onto the eyewear lens at different speeds. If it passes the test when dropped at 45 m/s, the eyewear earns the F symbol, while at 120 m/s it has the B symbol, and at 190 m/s it has the A symbol. These tests are generally conducted at room temperature. If the same test is carried out between -5°C and 55°C and the eyewear passes these tests, it earns the FT, BT or AT symbols depending on the test speed it passes. According to EN 166 standard, only minimum spectacles can pass the F test, minimum fully enclosed eyewear can pass the B test, and only minimum face shields can pass the A test. Regarding optical class symbols, optical class 1 is one of the priorities. Optical class 1 means that the worker can comfortably wear the eyewear for extended periods without discomfort. For fully enclosed eyewear and face shields, classifications exist according to their areas of use. It is important that these selections are made correctly according to the working environment. Areas of use should likewise be marked on both the lens and the frame.

These are:

3: Liquid splash, 4: Large particles, 5: Gas/vapor and small particles, 8: Small electric arcs, 9: Molten metal and hot splashes. At the same time, K and N markings, which are optional tests according to EN 166 standard, also provide extra resistance to scratching and fogging. Eyewear with K standard is understood to have high resistance to scratching, while eyewear with N standard means high resistance to fogging. However, these are optional tests, and manufacturers can also apply conventional scratch and anti-fog coatings. Generally speaking, as protection level increases, comfort level decreases. Although fully enclosed eyewear offers higher protection, it generally has lower comfort. For this reason, workers try to use mechanical eyewear in every environment. This unfortunately may not provide adequate protection depending on the environment. For this reason, hybrid-type eyewear was developed. Hybrid eyewear occupies intermediate levels between mechanical eyewear and fully enclosed eyewear in terms of both protection and comfort. Therefore, if working conditions permit, the use of hybrid-type eyewear is also recommended. Mirey Bonfil – Technical Coordinator / 3M