Safety glasses are normally associated with construction and industrial work but rightfully so. Workers in these professions need eye protection from flying particles and chemical spills. While hand and hearing protection is often used in conjunction with eye protection, safety glasses can be used outside of a work environment. Work environments ranging from construction sites to chemical labs have OSHA requirements for eye protection, and a pair of work glasses – or goggles sometimes – provides enough protection to prevent eye injuries. But, if you use tools outside of a job, having a pair on hand is still necessary to prevent such eye injuries resulting from flying particles and bits.
On the job, a pair of work glasses is required and, in construction and chemical handling fields, seldom optional. While pairs go through various tests, all are designed to block flying particles and chemical splashes from the front and from the side. These are almost always designed like a normal pair of wraparound or shield-style sunglasses, only the lenses and frames are designed to withstand blows from small particles. If you ordinarily wear glasses, safety lenses come in prescription varieties or are large enough to fit on top of a pair of standard eyeglasses.
Work situations aren’t the only places recommended for safety glasses, however. Although OSHA regulates safety requirements for workplaces, any tasks in which particles may fly should warrant eye protection. One such recommendation is keeping a pair in a roadside emergency kit, alongside hand tools needed for auto repairs. As a bit could fly off when changing a tire or examining the engine, having appropriate eye protection is necessary for your own safety. As such roadside tool kits often include screwdrivers, electrical tape, a hammer, and crescent wrench, a basic pair of safety glasses should also be added.
No matter for what you use safety glasses, a pair should be able to protect your eyes from any dangers at hand. If you’re handling chemicals, the glasses should be strong enough in case of any chemical splashes; one for protecting against particles may not be enough in this instance.