SAFETY EYE WEAR
When choosing “safety glasses” the primary consideration is to ensure that the glasses provide necessary impact protection and that they meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1-1989 standard. Both frame and lens must meet this standard. The idea is to prevent flying and splashing objects from penetrating the lens or entering your eye. Damage to your sight is nothing to fool around with. Here are some common questions most often heard regarding safety and sun glasses:
- Why do I need to have my glasses meet the ANSI Z87.1-1989 standard? What about using sun glasses that claim they provide impact protection from a shotgun blast?
These glasses may provide impact protection but have never gone through the testing rigors of approved safety glasses. Without official tests being done, you cannot ensure that they will provide the maximum protection. Always look for an ANSI Z87.1-1989 stamp on the glasses.
- Can I use my dark safety glasses for welding, cutting or brazing operations?
Unless they are specifically rated to use during those operations, this is never advisable. You need glasses with adequate, appropriate shading when you weld, cut or braze.
The use of correct eye protection is not only a matter of jobsite safety regulations. It is a very personal matter because it involves your children, spouse and relatives–as well as friends and co-workers. Will they have time to take care of you if you lose your eye sight? Would you want them to?