When you’re at work, you’re focused on the job you need to perform. Whether you’re breaking ground at a construction site or welding at a factory, industrial work requires skill, precision, and patience. It also demands attention to detail, especially in regards to safety. Investing in proper personal protective equipment is one of the best things you can do to ensure your safety, and glasses are one of the most important pieces of PPE you need. Protecting your vision from hazards on the job site is essential to keeping yourself safe at work.
Why Every Pro Needs a Pair of Safety Glasses
You know that safety glasses are important, but why are they so essential for industrial professionals? What if your job doesn’t pose any obvious hazards to your eyes? Even if you don’t regularly see sparks fly, your eyes are especially vulnerable for a number of reasons:
- Invisible particles can get into eyes
- Dust and shards can also enter eyes
- Fumes from chemicals can be toxic
- Heat exposure can damage cornea
Nearly every industry exposes workers to at least one of these risks, and safety glasses are one of the only ways to combat the hazard. Rather than waiting for an incident, be proactive about protection and invest in a pair of safety glasses that will shield your eyes from impact, particles, chemical fumes, and heat exposure.
Pay Attention to ANSI Ratings
Any pair of safety glasses is better than wearing none at all, but if you’re going to invest in a pair, why not opt for the top of the line? There are several characteristics you can consider in assessing the quality of a pair of glasses—what material are they made of? Are they shatter-proof or heat-resistant? Are they OSHA approved and ANSI rated? The latter of these criteria is likely the most important. ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, rates the overall effectiveness of industrial equipment, including safety glasses. Glasses that boast a rating of Z87 meet ANSI’s highest standards, and ratings of Z87+ indicate higher impact resistance. Opting for a highly-rated pair of safety glasses can maximize your protection.
Find a Pair That’s Compatible with Rx Lenses
If you wear prescription glasses or occasionally need readers, you might be wondering whether you should get safety glasses in addition to the glasses you already have. The short answer is yes. Safety glasses and prescription glasses are completely compatible, and in fact, there are models made specifically for use with Rx lenses. Consider which of these three options is best suited to your needs:
- Safety glasses worn over your usual prescription frames
- RX insert compatible safety glasses, fitted to your prescription
- Lenses that combine safety features with an RX prescription
If you have a prescription, or if you use readers, opting for an RX compatible pair of safety glasses can help you see clearly and protect your eyes at the same time. Prescription safety glasses are a must-have for any professional who wears RX glasses and works in an industrial setting.
Find Safety Glasses from a Brand You Can Trust
When you’re shopping for safety glasses, you might be wondering how to find the right pair. There are a vast array of sizes, styles, and brands to consider, and the options can be overwhelming. Finding a brand you trust is a great place to start, and these are some of the top brands you can buy from:
- Titmus: The Titmus brand is part of Honeywell now, but the quality is the same. All Titmus glasses are OSHA approved and made for performance
- Bolle: Created in France and specializing in strap-on designs, Bolle safety glasses are a classic selection for reliable protection
- Wiley X: If you’re seeking hazard protection and UV protection rolled into one, WileyX’s selection of safety sunglasses has you covered
- 3M: 3M offers an impressive selection of frames that are designed for RX lens wearers. This, combined with durable materials and straightforward design, make 3M a top choice
No matter which brand you choose, remember to pay attention to the ANSI rating and the materials the glasses are made of. Quality matters when you’re dealing with safety, and you need the right glasses to shield your eyes from potential hazards.
The Best Selection of Safety Glasses and PPE
You’re used to long days on the job, and you know the importance of keeping yourself safe no matter what conditions you work in. Safety glasses are one of the most effective ways to do so. No matter what field you’re in or what kind of work you do, a good pair of glasses is like an insurance policy for your eyes—and your eyes are one thing you don’t want to take risks with.
You’ll find all the safety glasses and other PPE you need at Safety Gear Pro. Reach out at (832) 850-2979 or get in touch online to learn about safety glasses from Titmus, Bolle, WileyX, 3M, and other trusted brands.