Whether working on construction site, intervening on a power grid or telecom network, it is necessary for technicians and field engineers to wear PPE in order to avoid risks of injury. Employers shall ensure that each worker uses appropriate eye and face protection when exposed to different hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, caustic liquids, chemical gases, or potentially injurious light radiation.

How to choose the right eye protection depending on the task you need to do?

All eyewear intended for use in the workplace must meet the European standard EN 166 which means they have been tested and possesses the properties required for a suitable protection.

General purpose safety glasses are scratch-resistant and keep technicians' eyes safe from eventual low energy impacts (45m/s). However, they do not offer an optimal protection against dust, liquids or splashes of molten metals as they have small gaps around the lenses.

Thus, direct ventilation goggles with side protection are recommended to protect technicians and engineers who against dust and liquid splashes, or who can be exposed to medium energy impacts (120m/s). Safety goggles offer the best eye protection from splashes, flying debris, light or radiation.

If you need protection against laser radiation, you should make sure the laser safety glasses meet the EN 207 standards. However, please remember that even when wearing laser protection goggles, you must look at the laser reflection and not at the laser itself.

In addition, some goggles can also be EN 170 compliant, which means they provide UV protection with a coloured or a clear light filter, enabling field engineers to work more comfortably in bright sunlight.

For some application, you may think about using a face shield as they are designed to offer an extra protection to keep your face protected from impacts, splashes and debris. Safety face shields are typically found in woodworking, grinding and sanding works and are also used by medical professionals, electricians, construction workers and workshop engineers. These visors protect against high energy impacts and can be worn over most safety glasses and respiratory protection. For workers doing welding work, welding masks are protective head shields especially made to protect the eyes and the face from flash burn or errant sparks.

You should inspect your safety eyewear carefully before each time you use them. In case of impact or deterioration, it is recommended to immediately change them. Also, make sure your glasses are adjusted safely and comfortably to your head before entering a risk area so it offers you an optimal eye protection.