PPE/Specific/TBT-PPE-003

Eye Protection Types

Personal Protective Equipment › Specific › Eye Protection Types

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Eye injuries on construction sites are caused by flying debris, dust, chemical splashes, UV radiation, and laser beams.
Safety spectacles provide impact protection for general site work and are the minimum standard on most UK construction sites.
Safety goggles provide a sealed fit around the eyes, protecting against dust, splashes, and fine particles from all angles.
Face shields protect the entire face from grinding sparks, cutting debris, chemical splashes, and high-energy impacts.
Welding helmets with correctly rated lenses are required for all welding to prevent arc eye from UV and infrared radiation.
Chemical splash goggles must be worn when handling acids, alkalis, solvents, and other corrosive or irritant liquids.
All eye protection must carry CE or UKCA marking and be rated for the specific hazard identified in the risk assessment.
Prescription safety glasses are available for workers who wear corrective lenses — standard glasses are not safety rated.
Eye injuries are one of the most preventable injuries on site — wearing the correct protection stops virtually all of them.
Emergency eyewash stations must be accessible within the work area where chemical splash risks are present.

Preventable blindness	Eye injuries from flying debris and chemical splashes cause permanent vision loss — the correct protection prevents them entirely.
Match protection to hazard	Safety specs protect against impact; goggles seal against dust and splashes — the wrong type gives false confidence.
Prescription options	Workers who wear glasses can get prescription safety eyewear — removing glasses to fit goggles leaves eyes unprotected.

Don't

DON'T work without the eye protection required by the risk assessment.
DON'T use standard glasses as a substitute for rated safety spectacles.
DON'T rely on safety specs alone when dust or chemical splash risks are present.
DON'T use a face shield without safety specs underneath for impact protection.
DON'T use scratched or damaged eye protection — it impairs vision and weakens impact rating.
DON'T remove your glasses to fit goggles — get prescription safety eyewear instead.
DON'T work near chemicals without knowing where the emergency eyewash is located.
DON'T clean lenses with abrasive materials — use a soft cloth or lens wipe.
DON'T continue wearing heavily scratched lenses — request replacements from stores.
DON'T rub your eyes after an injury — flush with clean water and get first aid.

See also: PPE Awareness and Responsibilities | Glazing Safety

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