Your Beginners’ Guide to Safety Eyewear

Let’s face it, not everyone is a safety spec boff like the Khulanathi team, that’s why we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about safety glasses.

Here are five foolproof ways to find the right eye protection… and protection for the left eye too.

1. Spec it out

It’s important to know that every work environment has different lens requirements.

This includes outdoors, indoors, weather conditions, being in front of a computer and more. By choosing the right lens for your job, you can help cut down on glare, harmful UV/IR rays, light reflections and even eye strain.

Here’s an overview of the most common lens tints available:

Courtesy of 3M

2. Adjust your “frame” of mind

It is imperative to pick the right frames for your application. Do you work with particulate matter or perhaps hazardous vapours? These elements go into determining which type of frame will give you the optimum protection. These are some of the features to look out for:

• Side shields – these protect your eyes from particulate matter
• Heat-resistance –heat resistant frames are essential if you work in a hot environment
• A large viewing area – if you need a wide range of vision while working
• Flexible ribs and pressure diffusion on your temples – for comfort if you’re wearing them for extended periods

3. Keep it clear

Fogging up when moving between the indoors and outdoors can be infuriating, when you’re trying to get a job done. If you work in an environment that exposes you to the elements, or even if it just gets warm at times, you should be using lenses that have an anti-fog coating. View our anti-fog safety specs here (add link)

4. Do they make you feel specsy?

How do you feel in your safety specs? They should be comfortable and fit correctly in order for you to feel confident in your protection while you work. If they are uncomfortable, you will be fidgeting with them and endlessly trying to readjust them.

Here’s a quick test which you can do to ensure that you’ve found the perfect fit:

• Shake your head left and right. If your glasses move or slide off, they’re not the ones for you.
• Look up down and side to side. Does the frame block your field of vision? If so, consider a different frame for more visibility.
• Move your finger along the edge of the frame. If your finger fits through any gaps between your face and the frame, hazardous particles will be able to fly in. Are there gaps between the eyewear and your face?
• Do they fit comfortably? If they feel too tight or rigid on your face, try a pair with a soft, rubber nose bridge or soft temple tips.

5. Be safe

Compliance matters. The EN Standard tests glasses for impact, level of protection and other general safety requirements. Ensure that your safety glasses are EN approved to ensure that you are fully protected.

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We’ve just brushed the surface of eye protection here, but this blog post is a great starting point. You now have some basic knowledge about how to choose the correct eyewear for your job.

Luckily, the Khulanathi Team are absolute eyewear braniacs and they’ll find you the perfect pair! Contact us: info@khulanathi.co.za