Being at the forefront and the most delicate organs of the human body, the eyes need protection from risks in the workplace. Yet, they are constantly exposed to flying debris, fumes, radiation, and other hazards specific to different industries. Goggles act as a simple but powerful tool, shielding workers from injuries that may lead to long-term damage or loss of sight. Beyond compliance with safety regulations, they are essential equipment that ensure clarity, confidence, and productivity on the job. Gain more insights about safety goggle use for better decision-making.
What Are Safety Goggles?
Safety goggles are the personal protective equipment used to protect the eyes. They comprise a front part attached with a strap that fits at the back of the head. The goggles are designed to tightly fit the eyes with suction to impart protection from chemicals, glare, particles, and other possible things that can strike the eye and compromise its structure and function.
Importance of Safety Goggles
The workers wear safety goggles to ensure complete protection of their eyes from a variety of hazards. Here are the insights into the same:
- Worker safety: Wearing of goggles allows workers to focus on the operations and functions as they can feel safe.
- Legal compliance: It enables industries to meet safety regulations and avoid penalties.
- Clear vision support: The presence of quality features such as UV protection, scratch resistance, and anti-fog ensures uninterrupted vision, thus enhancing the quality of work.
- Accident prevention: By allowing workers to see hazards clearly in a risky environment, goggles help stop accidents before they occur.
- Long-term health: Regular exposure to harming chemicals and lights can compromise the health and functionality of the eyes. Safety goggles use impart protection in such work environments.
Safety Goggle Use in Different Industries
The requirement of safety goggles in different industries arises due to the following reasons:
Safety Goggle Use in Construction
- Minute flying particles: The small flying debris and particles are generally witnessed during woodwork, metalwork, or other machine-based functions that lead to the release of shavings, dust, or small particles. It can result in conjunctivitis, permanent vision loss, and corneal abrasions.
- Excess radiation and light: The exposure to light and radiation is seen during welding and laser work. It can lead to long-term issues such as cataracts and retinal damage.
Safety Goggle Use in Laboratories
- Chemical components: They include exposure to fumes and splashes, often seen in laboratories. The exposure to these fumes can cause damage to the eyes. The result could be irritation, redness, or even blindness.
- UV and Infrared exposure: Certain lab instruments work on lasers and harmful rays, such as laser cutting systems, sterilizers, and laminar air flow, and others. These can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
Safety Goggle Use in Healthcare
- Disruption in work: It is possible during operation in scenarios of blood splashes and other body fluids during operations. Safety goggles ensure both patient safety and staff health.
- Infectious droplets: These are possible during outbreaks of contagious diseases. Goggles prevent exposure to contamination through the mucous membrane of the eyes.
Safety Goggle Use in Manufacturing
- Molten material splashes: The molten materials during metal forging or glassmaking can splash unpredictably. The result can be burns to the eyes.
- High-speed machinery: Operators working with conveyor belts, cutters, or polishing machines risk tiny projectiles striking the eyes.
Safety Goggle Use in Agriculture
- Pesticides and fertilizers: Farmers face exposure to chemical sprays comprising pesticides and fertilizers that irritate or burn the eyes. Goggles act as a barrier against droplets, mist, and accidental splashes during spraying.
- Dust and plant debris: The flying soil particles, manure, husk, and crop residues during ploughing, harvesting, or threshing can injure the eyes. Goggles prevent scratches, redness, and infections.
How to Use Safety Goggles Properly
Now let’s figure out how to use safety glasses/goggles:
Choice of Safety Goggles
The goggles must be chosen specifically for the industry and work environment. They should meet all the standards particular to that industry for accurate and proper functionality.
Regular Cleaning
Proper clearing of the lenses, as suggested by the manufacturer, is necessary. It offers proper vision that allows efficient functionality while working.
Fit Adjustment
The goggles must fit properly on the worker. They should cover the eyes properly, and the nosepiece must also sit comfortably on the nose without discomfort or pressure. Also, temples must extend over the ears and remain lightly fit. Adjust the side shields properly as well.
Consistent Wearing
The fit must be such that they are comfortable to wear all day and throughout the operation. This ensures complete protection for the worker.
Inspect Before Use
Check for cracks, scratches, or loose straps before wearing. In case of the presence of such problems, look for alternative options as these may compromise functionality.
Storage and Maintenance
Store goggles in a clean and dry case when not in use to prevent dust buildup, scratches, or chemical damage.
Compatibility with Other PPE
Ensure goggles fit well with helmets, face shields, or masks without gaps or discomfort. It allows comfortable usage throughout the day.
Types of Safety Goggles
The different types of goggles that can be used for proper safety are as follows:
- Safety glasses: These are used to protect from minor hazards such as dust and particles. They can also offer protection against UV radiation. The safety glasses are perfect for construction sites and laboratories.
- Safety goggles: The safety goggles completely cover the eyes and the associated eye area. They offer extra eye protection and are right for industries like construction, manufacturing, and laboratories.
- Overglasses: These glasses are worn over ordinary eyeglasses. They offer the same protection as conventional safety glasses.
The different types of safety goggles based on the type of material used are as follows:
- Acrylic goggles: These are lightweight and inexpensive, capable of protection from dust and mild impact.
- Fiber goggles: They are durable and heat-resistant and find use in high-temperature industrial settings.
- Plastic goggles: They are affordable, lightweight, and suitable for general-purpose use.
- Polycarbonate goggles: They are strong, shatter-proof, and impact-resistant, and are ideal for construction and manufacturing.
- PVC goggles: These are flexible and chemical-resistant, making them suitable for chemical work and the laboratory.
Safety Standards for Safety Goggles
The safety standards that safety goggles must follow are:
ANZI Z87.1: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 standard defines criteria for protective eyewear that includes impact resistance, UV protection, and lens markings.
EN 166: European Standard EN 166 specifies criteria that focus on optimal clarity, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.
AS/NZS 1337.1: The Australia/New Zealand standard deals with resistance to ignition and the field of view.
IS 5893: Set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this standard focuses on robust frame design and scratch resistance.
Get Top-Notch Protective Eyewear at L&T-SuFin
With uses of safety goggles spanning across a wide number of industries, choosing the right pair is crucial for both safety and efficiency. L&T-SuFin offers high-quality protective eyewear from trusted sellers. The products of the best quality can be chosen as per the specific lens and frame material, and lens coating.
Further, assisting our customers, we offer financing options and AI assistance. Also, customers get quick responses to quotes, i.e., within 24 hours from multiple sellers. So, you get to compare and decide as per your requirements and terms.
FAQs
What is the use of safety goggles?
The safety goggle uses are seen in different industries for protection from flying particles, debris, radiation, lasers, light, chemicals, splashes, and other hazards.
Why are safety goggles important in the workplace?
Workplaces expose eyes to dust, chemicals, debris, and light that can cause injury or vision loss. Safety goggles provide essential protection and confidence at work.
What are the different types of safety goggles?
The different types of safety goggles are abrasion-resistant, anti-fog, clear lens, coated, dark lens, hard coating, photochromic, UV-protected, and scratch-resistant.
How do I use safety goggles properly?
How to wear safety goggles: Choose the right fit, wear them snugly without gaps, and ensure they cover the eyes fully for maximum protection.
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