Eye/face protection

WHAT TYPE OF EYE AND FACE PROTECTION FOR WHAT RISKS?

To make a choice between safety glasses, goggles and face shields, it is necessary to know the nature and extent of the risk.

For example:

for wood turning, safety glasses may be sufficient.
for metal work, the use of a face shield is essential to protect the eyes and face.

GOGGLES AND MASKS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MECHANICAL RISKS

Definition: Shocks projections of shards or solid particles.
Applications: Machining operations with particle projections: metal shavings, tool fragments, pressurized water ...
Consequences: Damage or perforation of the cornea, tearing of the iris, clouding of the lens.

PROTECTIVE GLASSES AND MASKS AGAINST CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RISKS

Definition: Splashes of dangerous liquids, toxic dust, gases, toxic vapours...

Chemical risk: present in most industrial sectors in the form of powders, aerosols, liquids, gases, etc.
Biological risk: present in the medical environment, the food industry, the field of waste management and also in environments favourable to the development of microorganisms such as cutting oil tanks, air conditioners, etc.
Consequences: Burns or disorders of the cornea, acute conjunctivitis, viral infection, clouding of the lens.

GLASSES AND MASKS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THERMAL RISKS

Definition: Spraying of hot liquids or solids or emission of intense radiation
Applications: Radiant heat that can come from furnaces, projection of molten metals or hot solids, etc.
Consequences: Burns to the retina and face, damage to the cornea and lens.

GLASSES AND MASKS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL RISKS

Definition: Electrical contact, short-circuit electric arc
Applications: Electric arc welding. Intervention on an electrical equipment or installation.
Consequences: Damage or perforation of the cornea, tearing of the iris, clouding of the lens.

PROTECTIVE GLASSES AND MASKS AGAINST THE RISKS OF OPTICAL RADIATION

Definition: Ultraviolet (UV), Infrared (IR), visible light, laser.
Applications: Occurs in many activities in medical or industrial environment (gas or electric welding processes, steelworks, etc.)
Consequences: Burns of the cornea and retina