Clair Weston, marketing manager at uvex, considers some common problems wearers of safety eyewear encounter and offers some solutions
1. Misting up
Problem: Glasses or goggles that mist up are irritating for safety eyewear wearers and can compromise vision and overall safety. Traditional hydrophobic (water-repellant) dip coatings, though effective initially, wash off over time, rendering the eyewear unusable.
Solution: Look for more advanced coatings. For example, at uvex we offer chemically engineered hydrophilic (water-loving) anti-fog technology, which absorbs moisture droplets like a sponge, eliminating fog. These coatings outperform traditional hydrophobic ones, ensuring consistent performance for the life of the product, so they last for longer. What’s more, the special flow-coating application technology bonds the coating to the lens, offering up to four times the thickness compared to dip-coated alternatives.
2. Inadequate UV Protection
Problem: Protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays is as crucial as shielding them from physical impact and inadequate protection can result in long-term damage such as corneal injury and cataracts.
Solution: At uvex we adhere to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) by providing UV400-rated safety eyewear, which blocks 100% of UVB and UVA rays. This comprehensive protection not only safeguards the eyes but also protects the sensitive surrounding skin, minimising the risk of long-term damage.
3. The wrong shade
Problem: Not many people know this but selecting the wrong shade of safety eyewear can impact facial muscles, vision, and overall well-being.
Solution: Getting the right lens shade can make all the difference to your comfort levels. The type of environment in which work is being undertaken should influence the lens shade(s) selected. For example, are you working indoors under harsh, bright lights? Are you frequently moving between indoors and outdoors, between light and shaded areas? Or are you working outside in the sunshine where the intensity of the sun can be a hazard in itself? uvex’s safety eyewear, with its UV400 rating, offers various lens coatings, including silver mirror or CBR65, catering to different light conditions. This tailored approach enhances comfort, vision, and energy levels, contributing to improved concentration and productivity.
4. Discomfort
Problem: Let’s face it, if safety eyewear is uncomfortable, you’re more likely to take it off and tight clamping, weight and an improper fit are common contributing factors.
Solution: To combat discomfort, look for safety glasses with side arms designed for enhanced grip that can ensure a snug fit without excessive pressure. uvex’s dual-injection mould technology, for example, delivers lightweight frames with even weight distribution, promoting long-lasting comfort and minimising distractions during extended wear.
Goggles with soft, malleable frames that adapt to the wearer’s face create an effective seal keeping dirt, debris and liquid out and enhance comfort.
5. Poor fit
Problem: Ill-fitting safety eyewear compromises its protective capabilities, induces discomfort, and increases the risk of distraction.
Solution: Comfort and fit are intertwined, and this is where uvex’s dual-injection mould technology comes in again. This innovation allows for the combination of hard and soft components within frames, ensuring a flexible and tailored fit. At uvex we caution against taking a one size fits all approach. Instead we recommend trying on PPE to achieve the right fit, avoid discomfort and ensure there are no gaps that can let dirt and debris in and discomfort.
6. Accommodating Prescription Glasses
Problem: Wearing safety glasses over prescription eyewear can be uncomfortable and impractical.
Solution: Recognising this challenge, at uvex we provide safety prescription eyewear, so you don’t have to wear safety glasses over regular prescription spectacles. This seamless solution ensures comfort and safety, allowing wearers to combine prescription and safety eyewear effortlessly. Don’t assume your prescription glasses have the same impact protection as general safety eyewear which conforms to EN166. Also, different lens materials provide different impact performance and therefore, should be bought from a reputable manufacturer.
In conclusion, addressing common safety eyewear issues is paramount for ensuring the well-being and compliance of wearers. uvex’s commitment to innovation, from anti-fog technology to dual-injection mould frames, showcases a dedication to both safety and comfort. Choosing the right safety eyewear not only enhances protection but also contributes to increased productivity and overall well-being, fostering a safer and more comfortable workplace.
Simple steps for ensuring a proper fit
- There should be no uncomfortable pressure points on the side of the head or behind the ears.
- The nose piece should be comfortable and contacting your nose without pinching.
- You should be able to see in all directions without major obstruction.
- The overall weight of your safety eyewear should be evenly distributed between your ears and nose. The frame should sit comfortably on your face without distracting you from tasks.
- Frames should fit close to the face without your eyelashes hitting the lens. The space around the frame and your face should be less than a pencil width. Gaps of less than or equal to 6-8mm are preferred.
- Lenses should cover the eyebrow, eye socket and any soft tissue around it.
- Eyewear should stay in place when you move your head front-to-back and side-to-side.
For further information on uvex’s range of safety eyewear visit Safety Eyewear | Safety Glasses | Safety Googles | uvex Protective Eyewear (uvex-safety.co.uk)
For more information on uvex visit uvex safety UK | PPE – Personal Protective Equipement (uvex-safety.co.uk)
