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Safety Eyewear Explained

Safety Eyewear is essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used in countless workplaces. The first safety goggles were invented in the late 1800s, and were originally designed to protect the eyes of iron and furnace workers and firemen. Workplace safety has come a long way since, and today protective eyewear is now widely used in all kinds of industries and occupations.

What is the Australian Standard for Safety Eyewear?

The Australian Standard for safety eyewear is AS/NZS 1337.1. This standard specifies minimum requirements for non-prescription eye and face protectors, designed to provide low or medium impact protection from debris, liquid splashes and other types of impacts. All safety eyewear available in Australia should meet the Australian Standard.

Safety glasses lens colours – what’s the difference?

Most safety glasses block 99.9% of harmful UV rays, whilst allowing visible light through. Blocking UV is important, because studies show that prolonged UV exposure can damage eyesight, eventually leading to the formation of cataracts.

All lenses protect against UV equally. This means that selecting the right lens colour comes down to personal preference and what will best suit your environment.

  • Clear lenses are ideal for indoor and workshop applications. These provide natural clarity and are the most popular eyewear lens colour.
  • Smoke lenses are ideal for outdoor and bright light environments. The darker colour helps to reduce contrast and improve eye comfort in high light conditions.
  • Amber lenses are a popular choice for working underground and at night, as they help to improve contrast in dimly lit areas.
  • Bronze lenses are a great all-rounder. They provide moderate light reduction for outdoor working, whilst adding depth and contrast.

In Australia, most safety glasses are made from polycarbonate. Polycarbonate has many benefits for eyewear, including exceptional flexibility, a high resistance to shatter, breakage as well as heat.

Are Safety Glasses, Overspecs or Goggles Better?

Safety glasses are the most common type of safety eyewear, with a huge range available. Wraparound safety glasses such as the Stratex Fortret is a popular choice due to its face-fitting design. Some safety glasses, such as the Stratex Bastille feature a removable foam gasket which helps seal the wearer’s face against dust, wind, and other irritating particles.

Overspecs can be worn over existing eyewear, making them a popular choice for those who wear prescription glasses. Their value and versatility makes them ideal for visitors onsite.

Goggles provide even greater levels of eye protection and can be worn over safety glasses. Goggles are effective against fine dust, hazardous fumes and liquids. It’s worth noting that some workers find goggles less comfortable for extended periods of time.

Do I need Anti-fog Safety Glasses?

You may need anti-fog safety eyewear if working in humid conditions or environments with fluctuating temperature conditions.

Anti-fog technology was first developed by NASA in the 1960s to combat fogging on astronauts’ visors. Since its early use in space, anti-fog technology has found its way into everyday life. It features in various sprays, wipes and coatings, as used in safety eyewear manufacturing. All Stratex safety eyewear features anti-fog protective coating, and for extreme environments we also offer specialised ‘N’ coated anti-fog glasses.

Stratex Anti-Fog Fortret glasses were developed several years ago in response to a Stratex mining client who expanded operations to a humid climate, and found that the standard Fortret would fog. This feedback was acted upon immediately, as Stratex worked to explore different materials and coatings. After evaluating various options, upgrading to the European CE ‘N’ rated anti-fog coating delivered the best results. Onsite field testing confirmed that the Anti-fog Fortret perform exceptionally in extreme humidity. These safety glasses remain in use at the same mine today. Read more in Case Study: Anti-Fog Safety Glasses.

How to Fit Safety Glasses?

When choosing safety eyewear, select a style that is both comfortable and provides adequate protection around the eyes. Your face shape will determine which style of safety glasses will be most suitable. Some safety glasses feature adjustable nose pads, arm and temple length. These can be used to achieve a comfortable and close fit, minimising the risk of debris entering from open channels.

Our handy fit checklist can help ensure your safety eyewear fits properly, is comfortable and stays securely in place:

  1. No uncomfortable pressure points on the temples or behind the ears.
  2. Minimal gaps exist between the frame and your face.
  3. The nose piece offers a comfortable fit without pinching.
  4. Clear, unobstructed visibility in all directions.
  5. The gap between the frames and your face should be less than 8mm.
  6. Ensure that weight is distributed evenly for comfort.
  7. Frames should sit close to the face without touching the eyelashes.
  8. Lenses to provide full coverage, extending over the eyebrows and surrounding areas.
  9. Safety glasses should remain securely in place, even during head movement.

Our Most Popular Safety Eyewear

  • Fortret Safety Glasses – Clear (Pack 12)

    The Stratex Fortret Safety Glasses are the ultimate all-day eye protection from harmful projectiles and particles. Featuring lightweight frames that stay comfortable for long periods of time and soft, flexible grip pads to keep glasses in position on the head, they are a delight to use. 

    No longer sacrifice looks for safety; the sports style Fortret glasses with sleek black arm don’t give the wearer the typical geeky look of safety glasses. Longer lasting and durable, the anti-scratch, hard coat lenses can withstand the toughest environments. The polycarbonate lens also offer medium impact protection in compliance with AS/NZS 1337.

    The ultimate eye protection, the Fortret safety glasses will protect delicate eyes from harmful UV rays with 99.9% UV protection. Depending on the light conditions, there is a choice of 3 types of lenses; clear, smoke and amber.  Each pack contains 12 pairs and a carton contains 300 pairs.

  • Fortret Safety Glasses Anti-Fog – Clear (Pack 12)

    Stratex Fortret Safety Glasses are the ultimate all-day eye protection from harmful projectiles and particles. Featuring lightweight frames that stay comfortable for long periods of time and soft, flexible grip pads to keep glasses in position on the head, they are a delight to use. No longer sacrifice looks for safety; the sports style Fortret glasses with sleek black arm don’t give the wearer the typical geeky look of safety glasses. Longer lasting and durable, the anti-scratch, hard coat lenses can withstand the toughest environments. The polycarbonate lens also offer medium impact protection in compliance with AS/NZS 1337. The ultimate eye protection, the Fortret safety glasses will protect delicate eyes from harmful UV rays with 99.9% UV protection.

  • Parapet Safety Glasses – Clear (Pack 12)

    Stratex Parapet Safety Glasses provide lightweight and reliable eye protection against hazards in the workplace. Available with clear, smoke and amber lenses to suit a variety of light conditions. Trust Parapet Safety Glasses to shield your eyes from flying particles, dust and debris, whilst providing 99.9% UV protection. Whether you’re working or enjoying recreational activities, our glasses ensure your eyes stay safe whilst providing excellent comfort.

    FEATURES

    • Ultra lightweight and economical
    • Hard coat lens for anti-scratch resistance
    • 99.9% UV Protection
    • Available lens colours include clear, smoke and amber

    Box Qty: 12 pairs
    Carton Qty: 300 pairs

     

  • Bastille Foam Seal Safety Glasses – Clear (Pack 12)

    Stratex Bastille Safety Glasses feature a wraparound design with wide arms for added side protection. The Bastille incorporates a removable foam gasket to help seal the wearer’s face against dust, wind, and other irritating particles.

    • Clear lenses. Pack contains 12 pairs and carton contains 300 pairs.
    • Wraparound Foam-Padded safety glasses for improved comfort and protection
    • Comfortable and lightweight
    • Anti-fog coating prevents fogging in humid conditions
    • Anti-scratch coating on lenses increasing lens durability
    • 100% UV Protection
  • Visispec Clear Safety Overspec Glasses (Pack 12)
    • Clear Lens
    • Designed to sit over prescription glasses
    • Ideal for site visitors
    • Integrated side shields with vents
    • 99.9% UV Protection
    • Certified to AS/NZS1337.1:2010 Lic#BMP557823 (Benchmark)
  • Antifog Foam Bound Lens Goggles – Clear
    • Fully ventilated style
    • Anti-fog, anti-scratch lens
    • Foam bound with wide strap for comfort
    • Good chemical splash resistance
    • Replacement clear and smoke and Shade 5 lenses available
    • Foam is heat and spark resistant!
    • Certified to AS/NZS1337.1:2010 Lic#BMP557823 (Benchmark)
  • Maxisafe Clear Face Shield
    • Complies with AS/NZS 1337
    • Ratchet adjustable head gear
    • Replaceable polycarbonate visor and chin-guard
    • High impact, smoke tint, shade 3 & shade 5 visors also available 
    • Quick lock clips for quick and easy visor replacement
    • Protection from fluid splash, particles and dust
  • Lens Wipes – Anti-Fog Anti-Static
    • Anti-Fog and non-scratch wipes
    • Micro fibre material – pre-moistened
    • Dispenser of 200 Individually Packaged Wipes
    • Ideal for Glasses, Faceshields, LCD monitors, camera lenses
    • Suitable for glass, plastic or polycarbonate

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