PPE/Specific/TBT-PPE-003

Eye Protection Types

Personal Protective Equipment › Specific › Eye Protection Types

All Categories/Personal Protective Equipment/Specific/Eye Protection Types

Eye Protection Types

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-PPE-003  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • 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.

Why?

Preventable blindnessEye injuries from flying debris and chemical splashes cause permanent vision loss — the correct protection prevents them entirely.
Match protection to hazardSafety specs protect against impact; goggles seal against dust and splashes — the wrong type gives false confidence.
Prescription optionsWorkers who wear glasses can get prescription safety eyewear — removing glasses to fit goggles leaves eyes unprotected.
Do Don't
  • Wear the eye protection specified in the risk assessment for your task.
  • Use safety spectacles as the minimum for general site work with impact risks.
  • Wear sealed goggles when cutting, grinding, or working in dusty environments.
  • Use a face shield for tasks generating high-energy debris or chemical splash.
  • Check eye protection for scratches, cracks, and damage before every use.
  • Obtain prescription safety glasses if you need corrective lenses on site.
  • Know the location of the nearest emergency eyewash station in your area.
  • Clean eye protection regularly to maintain clear vision throughout the shift.
  • Replace damaged or heavily scratched lenses that reduce your field of vision.
  • Seek immediate first aid for any eye injury, even if it seems minor.
  • 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
ebrora.com

RAMS Builder

Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.

Learn More