Safety Eyewear Explained

Safety Eyewear is essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used in countless workplaces. The first safety goggles were invented in the late 1800s, and were originally designed to protect the eyes of iron and furnace workers and firemen. Workplace safety has come a long way since, and today protective eyewear is now widely used in all kinds of industries and occupations.

What is the Australian Standard for Safety Eyewear?

The Australian Standard for safety eyewear is AS/NZS 1337.1. This standard specifies minimum requirements for non-prescription eye and face protectors, designed to provide low or medium impact protection from debris, liquid splashes and other types of impacts. All safety eyewear available in Australia should meet the Australian Standard.

Safety glasses lens colours – what’s the difference?

Most safety glasses block 99.9% of harmful UV rays, whilst allowing visible light through. Blocking UV is important, because studies show that prolonged UV exposure can damage eyesight, eventually leading to the formation of cataracts.

All lenses protect against UV equally. This means that selecting the right lens colour comes down to personal preference and what will best suit your environment.

• Clear lenses are ideal for indoor and workshop applications. These provide natural clarity and are the most popular eyewear lens colour.
• Smoke lenses are ideal for outdoor and bright light environments. The darker colour helps to reduce contrast and improve eye comfort in high light conditions.
• Amber lenses are a popular choice for working underground and at night, as they help to improve contrast in dimly lit areas.
• Bronze lenses are a great all-rounder. They provide moderate light reduction for outdoor working, whilst adding depth and contrast.

In Australia, most safety glasses are made from polycarbonate. Polycarbonate has many benefits for eyewear, including exceptional flexibility, a high resistance to shatter, breakage as well as heat.

Are Safety Glasses, Overspecs or Goggles Better?

Safety glasses are the most common type of safety eyewear, with a huge range available. Wraparound safety glasses such as the Stratex Fortret is a popular choice due to its face-fitting design. Some safety glasses, such as the Stratex Bastille feature a removable foam gasket which helps seal the wearer’s face against dust, wind, and other irritating particles.

Overspecs can be worn over existing eyewear, making them a popular choice for those who wear prescription glasses. Their value and versatility makes them ideal for visitors onsite.

Goggles provide even greater levels of eye protection and can be worn over safety glasses. Goggles are effective against fine dust, hazardous fumes and liquids. It’s worth noting that some workers find goggles less comfortable for extended periods of time.

Do I need Anti-fog Safety Glasses?

You may need anti-fog safety eyewear if working in humid conditions or environments with fluctuating temperature conditions.

Anti-fog technology was first developed by NASA in the 1960s to combat fogging on astronauts’ visors. Since its early use in space, anti-fog technology has found its way into everyday life. It features in various sprays, wipes and coatings, as used in safety eyewear manufacturing. All Stratex safety eyewear features anti-fog protective coating, and for extreme environments we also offer specialised ‘N’ coated anti-fog glasses.

Stratex Anti-Fog Fortret glasses were developed several years ago in response to a Stratex mining client who expanded operations to a humid climate, and found that the standard Fortret would fog. This feedback was acted upon immediately, as Stratex worked to explore different materials and coatings. After evaluating various options, upgrading to the European CE ‘N’ rated anti-fog coating delivered the best results. Onsite field testing confirmed that the Anti-fog Fortret perform exceptionally in extreme humidity. These safety glasses remain in use at the same mine today. Read more in Case Study: Anti-Fog Safety Glasses.

How to Fit Safety Glasses?

When choosing safety eyewear, select a style that is both comfortable and provides adequate protection around the eyes. Your face shape will determine which style of safety glasses will be most suitable. Some safety glasses feature adjustable nose pads, arm and temple length. These can be used to achieve a comfortable and close fit, minimising the risk of debris entering from open channels.

Our handy fit checklist can help ensure your safety eyewear fits properly, is comfortable and stays securely in place:

1. No uncomfortable pressure points on the temples or behind the ears.
2. Minimal gaps exist between the frame and your face.
3. The nose piece offers a comfortable fit without pinching.
4. Clear, unobstructed visibility in all directions.
5. The gap between the frames and your face should be less than 8mm.
6. Ensure that weight is distributed evenly for comfort.
7. Frames should sit close to the face without touching the eyelashes.
8. Lenses to provide full coverage, extending over the eyebrows and surrounding areas.
9. Safety glasses should remain securely in place, even during head movement.

Our Most Popular Safety Eyewear