When it comes to workplace safety, many people immediately think of helmets, gloves and work boots. But what is often overlooked is the protection of one of our most vulnerable senses: sight. Especially for people with a visual impairment, prescription safety glasses can play a crucial role in personal protection. Your eyes are essential for your daily work, and one accident can cause permanent damage. In this article, we'll dive deeper into how prescription safety glasses contributions to safety and the benefits of this specific form of personal protection.

Why prescription goggles are essential

The importance of eye protection in the workplace cannot be overstated. Every year, countless employees are injured by flying particles, chemical splashes, or sharp objects. According to the Occupational health portal workers are at risk of serious eye injuries if they do not wear appropriate eye protection. For people who already wear glasses, it is doubly important to have the right eye protection. Working with regular glasses is often not enough: they offer no protection against workplace hazards. Prescription safety glasses offer both sharp vision and protection against harmful influences.

Prescription safety glasses are specially designed to protect the eyes against hazards such as:

• Flying particles, such as dust or metal chips
• Chemical splashes from acids or solvents, for example
• UV radiation from welding activities
• Glare from bright light or lasers

Different types of eye protection

Eye protection comes in various forms, depending on the nature of the work and workplace hazards. Using the right protection is crucial to prevent eye injuries, and each type of eye protection has its own specific application. Below is an overview of the most commonly used types of eye protection:

1. Safety glasses

Safety glasses look like normal glasses, but the lenses are made of special materials such as tempered glass or polycarbonate. These glasses are perfect for workplaces with a risk of flying particles, such as wood or metal processing. At Seeh, we use Trivex, a material that is even stronger and brighter. Trivex offers excellent protection without reducing visibility.

2. Goggles

The goggles protect both the eyes and your own glasses. These glasses completely close the eyes, so that no dust or other particles can reach them. This type of eye protection is suitable for environments with a lot of dust, chemicals or other harmful particles that can float in the air. Thanks to the complete closure, goggles offer maximum protection.

3. Welding goggles

For oxyfuel welding, a welding method that uses a very hot flame, welding glasses are essential. These glasses protect the eyes against infrared radiation and offer a specific filter system to prevent damage caused by intense flashes of light. The welding goggles are a must for everyone who works in the metal and welding industry.

4. Face protection

Face shields protect not only the eyes, but the entire face from liquids, particles and sparks. This protection is often used in industrial and medical sectors where there is a risk of splashing chemicals or other hazardous substances. A face shield offers comprehensive protection, but is often worn in combination with goggles for complete eye protection.

Benefits of prescription safety glasses

Prescription safety glasses have several advantages:

• Improved visibility: They enable employees to see clearly both near and from a distance, without the need to switch between regular glasses and safety glasses.
• Comfort: Unlike wearing regular glasses under goggles, prescription goggles offer a single solution that is more comfortable and practical.
• Sustainability: These glasses are made of sturdy materials such as polycarbonate, which is resistant to bumps and scratches.

How prescription goggles contribute to personal protection

Wearing prescription goggles can make the difference between a safe working day and an accident with lasting consequences. In addition to preventing injuries, these glasses ensure that employees can fully concentrate on their work without the hindrance of poor vision or uncomfortable eyewear combinations.

To provide optimal protection, prescription safety glasses must meet strict requirements, as set out in the European standard AND 166. This standard sets minimum requirements for eye protection, including resistance to impact and chemicals. The CE mark must be visible on the lenses, temples and frames, ensuring that the glasses comply with legal safety standards.

With the new EN-ISO 16321-1:2022-standard safety glasses are further optimized. This standard introduces stricter requirements for certification, which means that safety glasses are even more resistant to workplace hazards and provide optimal eye protection in various working conditions.

Frequently asked questions about prescription safety glasses

1. Can I use my regular glasses as safety glasses?
No, regular eyeglasses do not offer the same protection against impact, liquids or radiation as prescription goggles.

2. How do I know if my safety glasses meet the legal requirements?
Safety glasses must comply with EN 166 standard and have a CE mark. Always check that this is stated on the packaging or product.

3. Are prescription goggles more expensive?
Although prescription goggles are usually a bit more expensive than standard safety glasses, the benefits, such as comfort and safety, often outweigh the extra costs.

4. How do I maintain my prescription safety glasses?
Clean your glasses regularly with a soft cloth and water. Avoid harsh cleaning agents as they may damage the protective coating.

5. Where can I order prescription safety glasses?
You can easily order prescription safety glasses via Seeh.nl. Here you'll find a wide range of options that meet European eye protection standards.

Eye protection is crucial for workplace safety. Prescription safety glasses offer a comfortable and safe solution for visually impaired workers without sacrificing eye protection. With the right prescription glasses, employees can do their work efficiently and safely without worrying about eye injuries. Want to know more about the different types of personal protective equipment? Then visit the Occupational health portal for detailed information about eye protection.

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