Safety Tips on Protective Eyewear
- Only wear protective eyewear that was designed for the specific task at hand. For example, goggles that protect you from splashes may not protect you from radiation or other hazards.
- Keep your safety glasses on, even if you wear other protection like a welding helmet or face shield. Flying chips or dust can get past the shield if you lift the visor.
- Check your eye protection before using it to make sure it is in good condition. Look for chips, scratches, cracks, or stress points that may limit vision or weaken the structural strength.
- Clean lenses with water or a lens-cleaning solution to float dirt away, rather than scratching it into the lens.
- Look for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) mark on safety eyewear. (All VAW pairs use CSA frames and lenses.)
- Get your safety glasses fit correctly. They should be snug, but not uncomfortable with gaps equal or less than the parameters outlined in the CSA documentation.
- Don’t tamper with your equipment, it may impact it's effectiveness.
- If possible, keep a spare pair of protective eyewear handy.
- Store your equipment properly. High heat can cause your frame material to soften and impact the fit of your frame. (Car dashboards are one example) Sudden rushes of hot air can cause problems with the coatings on your lenses. Not cleaning your glasses before storing can cause buildup on your lenses or frame and may cause scratches or irritation to your skin.
- Choose eye protection with the appropriate features. Polycarbonate lenses have the highest impact resistance. Foam dust dams block falling dust from entering from the top of your glasses. Prescription lenses can be made for inserts for a helmet or respirator.
