Your eyes are among the most vulnerable parts of your body in the workplace. From flying debris to chemical splashes, the risks are real—and preventable. At Stafford Industrial Supplies, we help you choose the right safety eyewear to match your work environment and keep your vision protected.
🔍 Step 1: Understand the Hazards
Different tasks expose workers to different types of eye hazards. Common risks include:
- Impact hazards: Flying particles, tools, or debris
- Chemical hazards: Splashes from acids, solvents, or cleaning agents
- Dust and airborne particles: Especially in construction, woodworking, or mining
- Radiation: UV, infrared, or intense visible light (e.g., welding, lasers)
- Biological hazards: Bloodborne pathogens or infectious droplets
🛡️ Step 2: Match the Eyewear to the Hazard
Here’s how to control each hazard with the appropriate eyewear:
1. Impact Hazards
- Recommended Eyewear: Safety glasses with polycarbonate lenses
- Standard: EN166 (impact protection)
- Why: Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and shatter-resistant, ideal for construction, manufacturing, and maintenance work.
2. Chemical Hazards
- Recommended Eyewear: Chemical splash goggles or face shields
- Standard: EN166 with chemical resistance marking
- Why: Goggles provide a sealed fit around the eyes, preventing splashes from entering. Face shields offer additional protection for the face.
3. Dust and Particulates
- Recommended Eyewear: Indirect-vented goggles
- Why: These goggles prevent fine dust from entering while allowing airflow to reduce fogging.
4. Radiation Hazards
- Recommended Eyewear: Welding helmets, laser safety glasses, or UV-filtering lenses
- Standard: EN169 (welding filters), EN170 (UV filters), EN171 (IR filters)
- Why: These protect against burns and long-term eye damage from intense light or radiation.
5. Biological Hazards
- Recommended Eyewear: Sealed goggles or face shields
- Why: These prevent exposure to infectious droplets, especially in healthcare or laboratory settings.
đź‘· Step 3: Consider Fit, Comfort, and Compatibility
- Fit: Eyewear should sit snugly without slipping or causing pressure points.
- Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings: Improve visibility and durability.
- Compatibility: Ensure eyewear works with other PPE like helmets or respirators.
🛠️ Why Choose Stafford Industrial Supplies?
We offer:
- A wide range of certified safety eyewear for all industries
- Expert advice to help you meet HSE and EN standards
- Custom solutions for prescription safety eyewear
đź“ž Call us on 01785 252744 or visit our website to explore our full range.
Stafford Industrial Supplies
Serving Industry Safety Since 1989
âś… Final Tip
Always conduct a risk assessment before selecting PPE. The right eyewear not only protects your vision—it ensures productivity and peace of mind.