EN 166 / 167 / 168 form the minimum requirement under current European legislation for eye protection and is supported by other standards to cover specific hazards, Such as EN 175: eye, face and neck protection against ionising radiation arising during welding EN 169: 2002 eye protection: Filters for welding and related techniques etc: BS 7028 Guide for selection, use and maintenance of eye protection for industrial and other uses provides a clear guide to the initial selection and use of eye protection
There are various types of eye protection that are appropriate for a given situation. A summary of the different types of PPE for eyes and what they may protect against is described briefly below.
• Safety spectacles – can protect eyes from low energy impacts and depending on the lens characteristics glare, UV and IR radiation. The lenses are usually made of toughened glass or polycarbonate. They are available in a range of styles and most frames have possibilities for adjustment, so that they can be matched to the wearer. Most manufacturers can supply safety spectacles with prescription lenses. Moreover, when prescription lenses are fitted, the cost of these falls upon the employer under Regulation 4 of the PPE at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended).
• Eye shields – Some designs can be worn over prescription spectacles where necessary, (e.g. for visitors).
• Goggles – can protect eyes against medium impacts and depending on design and marking against droplets and coarse dust, as they form a seal around the entire periphery of the face. The lenses are usually made of antifog coated polycarbonate or toughened glass.
• Face shields – Depending on design and markings they can protect eyes and face against medium or even high energy impacts, liquid splash and hazards like molten metal splash or electric arcs etc. They usually have an adjustable headband or harness fitted with either a one piece ear shield protecting the entire face, a metal mesh screen or an opaque shield into which lenses are fitted. There are a number of designs that integrate head, eye and respiratory protective in one unit.
