26 Jul Sunglasses vs. Safety Glasses

Sunglasses vs. Safety Glasses

Working outdoors often means dealing with bright sunlight and glare, but ordinary sunglasses and safety glasses serve different purposes. Sunglasses may reduce glare and protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but they are not a substitute for approved safety eyewear when workplace eye hazards are present.

Industrial and construction work can expose employees to flying particles, dust, sparks, chemicals, and other hazards capable of causing serious eye injuries. When these hazards are present, employees must wear eye protection appropriate for the work being performed.

Guide for Discussion

Ordinary Sunglasses Are Not Safety Glasses

Regular sunglasses are designed primarily to reduce sunlight and glare. Unless specifically manufactured and marked as safety eyewear, they should not be relied upon for protection against workplace hazards.

Approved safety glasses are designed and tested to provide greater impact protection. Depending on the hazard, they may also include side protection to prevent particles or objects from entering around the lenses.

Remember:

• Do not assume dark lenses provide impact protection.
• Fashion or recreational sunglasses are not acceptable substitutes for required safety glasses.
• Safety eyewear should fit properly and remain secure during work.
• Side protection is required when there is a hazard from flying objects or particles.
• Damaged, deeply scratched, cracked, or otherwise defective safety eyewear should be replaced.

Look for the Proper Markings

Safety eyewear used in the workplace must meet applicable OSHA requirements. OSHA recognizes appropriate consensus standards, including versions of ANSI/ISEA Z87.1.

Look for the manufacturer’s required markings on the eyewear. A “Z87” marking generally identifies basic-impact-rated protection, while “Z87+” identifies eyewear meeting the high-impact requirements of the standard.

Do not select eyewear based solely on appearance or lens color. The protection must match the hazard.

Sun Protection

Employees who work outdoors may benefit from tinted safety glasses that provide both occupational eye protection and protection from sunlight.

When selecting outdoor safety eyewear, consider:

• Protection from UVA and UVB radiation.
• Appropriate tint for the lighting conditions.
• Glare reduction.
• Side protection where required.
• Proper fit and comfort.
• Compatibility with hard hats, hearing protection, respirators, and other PPE.

Tinted lenses should not be worn where they interfere with the employee’s ability to see hazards, warning lights, signals, equipment, or changes in walking surfaces.

Welding, Cutting and Brazing

Tinted safety glasses and ordinary sunglasses are not welding lenses.

Welding, cutting, brazing, and similar operations can expose the eyes to intense visible light and ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Employees must use filter lenses with the appropriate shade number for the specific operation.

Never assume that a lens is safe for welding simply because it is dark.

Depending on the operation, properly shaded goggles, a welding helmet, or other approved protection may be required. Safety glasses may also need to be worn underneath the welding helmet or face shield.

Prescription Glasses

Ordinary prescription eyeglasses are not automatically safety glasses.

Employees who require corrective lenses must use eye protection that either:

• Incorporates the prescription into approved safety eyewear; or
• Fits over the prescription lenses without disturbing their proper position or the position of the protective eyewear.

Prescription safety glasses must provide the same appropriate protection for the hazards involved.

Face Shields Are Not Always Enough

A face shield provides additional protection against hazards such as flying particles and splashes, but it generally does not replace required safety glasses or goggles.

When a face shield is necessary, appropriate safety glasses or goggles should normally be worn underneath it.

Before Starting Work

Ask yourself:

• What could strike, splash, or enter my eyes?
• Are safety glasses required for this task or work area?
• Do I need side protection?
• Are goggles or a face shield also required?
• If working outdoors, does my safety eyewear provide appropriate UV and glare protection?
• Are the lenses clean and free from damage?
• If welding, cutting, or brazing, am I using the correct filter shade?

Remember

Your eyes cannot be replaced. Ordinary sunglasses may protect against sunlight, but they do not necessarily protect against workplace hazards. When eye protection is required, wear properly selected and marked safety eyewear appropriate for the hazard.