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safetyeyewear

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uvex-safety.com

safetyeyewear

guide

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uvex Safety Eyewear GuideEverything you need to knowabout eye protection

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Contents

Definition of eye protection

Legal note

Types of workplace hazards

Optical radiation

Standards

Eye protection product markingsaccording to EN 166

Optical clarity and useful life

Cleaning

Types of protective eyewear

uvex UV protection

uvex lens coating technology

Chemical resistance

Areas of application

Choosing the right eye protection

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Legal note

uvex cannot be held liable for any damage resulting fromthe advice given in this booklet. This booklet must not beconsidered a substitute for either a risk assessment orpurchase advice.

Definition of eye protection

Safety eyewear protects the eyes against harmfulinfluences such as intense light, UV radiation, liquid splash,dust, splinters or weather effects. Eye protection typicallytakes the form of single-or twin-lensed glasses whichare held in place by side arms that go over the ears orgoggles that provide additional protection against highenergy impacts, liquid splash or dust due to the all roundseal. These are held in place by an adjustable headband.

Please note that selecting and using appropriate eyeprotection requires a detailed risk analysis of the work-place and the hazards present. Legal regulations andprovisions must be also be observed.

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Types of workplace hazards

When identifying hazards it is important to take intoaccount and distinguish between the type of hazard, thescope, duration, probability and the severity of the incidenton the individual.

Potential hazards include mechanical, optical, liquid splash,thermal, biological and electrical hazards. In many cases,several hazards may be present at any one time.

Welding, for example, involves optical, mechanical andthermal hazards. Applications in which liquids or gasescan escape under high pressure involve mechanical aswell as chemical or thermal hazards.

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Mechanical hazards: Foreign objects such as dust andsolids (chips or grains) that can get into the eye.

Optical hazards: Ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiationin the form of ultraviolet glare, flash burns or thermalhazards.

Chemical hazards: Solid, liquid or gaseous substancessuch as vapour, mist and smoke as well as acids or lyes.

Thermal hazards: Heat that is transferred through solidsor liquids via gases or infrared radiation as well as extremecold.

Biological hazards: Bacteria, viruses and spores thatcan enter the body through the eyes can cause infections.

Electrical hazards: Electric arcs caused by short-circuitswhen working in electrical power distribution plants, forexample.

100 nm

200 nm

300 nm

400 nm

500 nm 700 nm

600 nm 800 nm

I7VIS 380 – 780 nm

UV-B280 –315 nm

UV-C100 –285 nm

UV-A315 –380 nm

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Optical radiation is divided into three areas:

• UV radiation 100 nm – 380 nm (UV = ultraviolet,short-wave, invisible and high-energy)

• Solarium• Sun• Fluorescence

• VIS radiation 380 nm – 780 nm (VIS = visible)• Prismatic colours

• IR radiation 780 nm – 1 mm (IR = infrared, long-wave,invisible)

• Thermal radiation• Heat lamps• Welding

m 900 nm 3000 nm

00 nm 1000 nm 10.000 nm

IR C 3000 –10.000 nm

IR B1400 –3000 nm

IR A (NIR)780 – 1400 nmm

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Optical radiation

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Standards

DIN EN 166:2001 Personal eye protection – Specifications

DIN EN 167:2001 Personal eye protection – Optical testmethods

DIN EN 168:2001 Personal eye protection – Non-opticaltest methods

DIN EN 169:2002 Personal eye protection –Filters for welding and related techniques – Transmittancerequirements and recommended use

DIN EN 170:2002 Personal eye protection – Ultravioletfilters – Transmittance requirements and recommendeduse

DIN EN 171:2002 Personal eye protection – Infrared filters– Transmittance requirements and recommended use

DIN EN 172:1994+2000+2001 Personal eye protection– Sunglare filters for industrial use

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Fields of use

Identificationof themanufacturer

Descriptionof the fields of use

None Protection against non-specificGeneral use mechanical risks

3 Liquids Protection against liquids (dropletsand splashes)

4 Coarse Protection against dust with a graindust particles size of > 5 m

5 Gas and fine Protection against gas, vapour, mist,dust particles smoke and dust with a grain size of < 5 m

8 Electric arcs Protection against electric arcs causedby short-circuits in electrical systems

9 Molten metal Protection against metal splashesand hot solids and penetration of hot solids

Designation

Frame markings

Number of theEN standard

Eye protection markingsaccording to EN 166

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Symbol for resistanceto high-speed particles

Certification mark

Mechanical strength

None Minimal strength (filters only)

S Increased strength (filters only)

F Low-energy impact (45 m/s)

B Medium-energy impact (120 m/s)

A High-energy impact (190 m/s)

T Tested under extreme temperatures (-5° C +55° C)

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Scale number (filters only)

Optical class

Lens markings

Identification of the manufacturer

Symbol for mechanical strength

Mechanical strength

None Minimal strength (filters only)

S Increased strength (filters only)

F Low-energy impact (45 m/s)

B Medium-energy impact (120 m/s)

A High-energy impact (190 m/s)

T Tested under extreme temperatures (-5° C +55° C)

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Symbol for non-adherence ofmolten metal and resistanceto penetration of hot solids

Symbol for resistance to surfacedamage by fine particles

Symbol for resistance to fogging

Certification mark

Symbol for resistance to surfacedamage by fine particles

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Optical clarity and useful life

Optical class 1 lenses are particularly suitable when ahigh level of visual performance is required while protec-ting the human eye against damage in the form ofdefective vision, even when worn for prolonged periodsof time.

All uvex eyewear conforms to optical class 1.

When stored correctly and without use, the maximumlifetime of a safety eyewear product is 6 years. Dependingon the intensity of use and wear caused by externalinfluences, the maximum life of a product is 2 years.If protective eyewear has been scratched or otherwisedamaged it must be replaced.

Simplified illustration

RequirementsEN166

Optical properties

± 0,06 dpt. Class 1

± 0,12 dpt. Class 2

± 0,25 dpt. Class 3

Optical quality is key to selecting the right protectiveeyewear. EN 166 distinguishes between three classes,these being:

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Cleaning

Cleaning recommendations for protective eyewear

• Rinse off coarse dirt under flowing water, when possible

• Clean the lenses using uvex cleaning spray and tissues,or uvex lens cleaning towelettes

• Commercially available disinfectants can be used byspraying or wiping; do not immerse eyewear indisinfectant

• Store eyewear in a case when not in use

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Rinse under flowing water

Clean using a uvex cleaningstation

Clean using uvex cleaningtowelettes

Store in a case or pouch

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Types of protective eyewear

Safety spectaclesClassic style safety glassesusually come in the form ofsingle- or twin-lensedglasses. Well fitting spectacleswill ensure a secure andcomfortable fit and protectagainst common hazards.

OverspecsProtective eyewear that can beworn over prescription glassesand are often worn by sitevisitors. Ideal for short-term use.

GogglesProtective eyewear with anallround seal and headband forprotection against increasedmechanical and liquid splashhazards. Depending on theshape, some can be worn overprescription glasses.

VisorCovers the entire face, speciallydesigned to protect againstmechanical and liquid splashhazards. Some designs allowgoggles to be worn under avisor which can increase theprotection against liquid splash.

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Prescription safety spectaclesSafety spectacles withcustomised lenses to suit theuser's vision.

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uvex UV protection

Polycarbonate which is used to manufacture uvex safetylenses absorb 100% of UV radiation up to 400 nm.All uvex lenses offer 100% UVA, UVB and UVC protection.

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uvex lens coating technology

Fogged up and scratched lenses are often the mainreasons that safety eyewear is taken off or not worn.High quality, effective and durable lens coatings raise thevalue and 'wearability' of eyewear for the wearer.

uvex has developed specially formulated scratch-resistantand anti-fog coatings that are permanent for the lifetimeof the product. No matter how many times the productgets cleaned, the eyewear will remain fog free.

The unique uvex lens coating process enables differentcoatings to be applied to the inside and outside of thelens. Unlike conventional dip coating processes used byother manufacturers (applying one coating to both sides),the uvex process allows each coating to performindependently and therefore delivers a more effectiveand visibly noticeable result.

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Cor

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Coating Scratch-resistant (K)

Anti-fogging (N)

Chemical-resistant

Auto-clavable

uvex supravisionexcellence

uvex supravisionsapphire

uvex supravisionplus

uvex supravisionextreme

uvex supravisionvariomatic

uvex supravisionclean

uvex infradur

uvex infradurplus

Outside

Both sides

Outside

Outside

Outside

Both sides

Outside

Inside

Both sides

Inside

Inside

Inside

Inside

Outside

Both sides

Outside

Outside

Outside

Both sides

Outside

Both sides

Both sides

Different workplaces require different lens coatingsdepending on the level of dirt, heat and humidity. uvexhas developed a range of coatings with these variablesin mind. For example, a very humid environment such asa foundry will require an anti-fog coating on both sidesof the lens to ensure clear vision.

uvex's most popular lens coating, uvex supravisionexcellence is ideal for those that require anti-fog on theinside of the lens due to body heat, and a scratch resistantcoating on the outside to help with external factors thatmay damage the lens. A scratch resistant coating helpsprolong the life of the product.

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+

0

-

Chemical resistance

Personal eye protection is resistant to all chemicals.Chemical resistance refers only to the behaviour of therespective coating when it comes into contact with thechemical in question.

+

0

-

Resistant

Limited resistance (no visual impairment,but loss of function)

Not resistant (swelling/peeling)

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Solvent etc.Methanol + + +Ethanol + + +Isopropanol + + +n-butanol + + +Methoxypropanol + + +Acetone + + +Acetonitrile + + +Diethyl ether + + +Petroleum ether + + +Butyl acetate + + +Xylene + + +Cyclohexanol + + +Gasoline - Super + + +Diesel + + +Chlorinated hydrocarbonsDichlormethane + + +(methylene chloride)1,1,2-trichloroethene + + +(trichlorethylene) C2HCI3Acids/lyesFormic acid (30%) + + +Acetic acid, concentrated + + +Hydrofluoric acid (20%) + + +Hydrochloric acid (20%) + + +Sulphuric acid (50%) + + +Caustic potash (30%) + + +Ammonia solution (10%) + + +OtherSilver nitrate solution (1%) + + +

Chemical resistance

Outside Inside Outside/Inside

uvex supravision uvexexcellence supravision

uvex infradur plus sapphire

uvex supravision uvex infradurclean

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+ + + + ++ + + + ++ + + + ++ + + + ++ + + + -- + - + -- + - + 0+ + + + ++ + + + +- + - + +- + - + +- + - + +- + + + ++ + + + +

- - - 0 -

- + - + +

+ + + - -- + + + -+ + + - ++ + + - +- + 0 - +0 + + - ++ + + + +

+ + + + +

Outside/Inside Outside Inside AF No AF

uvex uvex Celluloseacetatsupravision supravision

ETC extremeuvex

supravision plus

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LensArea of application Eyewear type materialPrecision engineering Safety spectacles PC

GogglesLight assembly work Safety spectacles PCGrinding Safety spectacles PC

GogglesAngle grinding Goggles PCTurning and milling Safety spectacles PCDusty environments Goggles PC

Foundry cleaning Goggles PC

Forestry and agriculture Safety spectacles PC

Laboratory work Safety spectacles PCGoggles CA

Working with acids and Goggles PCgalvanic media CASpot welding Safety spectacles PCSoldering GogglesOxyacetylene weldingFlame cuttingWelder's assistantFoundriesFurnacesWorking outdoors Safety spectacles PC(sun glare/driver)

Offshore/maritime Safety spectacles PC

Strong lighting Safety spectacles PCGlareMixed lighting Safety spectacles PCSterile working environment Safety spectacles PC

OverspecsOil & Gas Safety spectacles PC

OverspecsGoggles

Site visitor Safety spectacles PCOverspecs

Areas of applicationM

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Opt

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Lens tint CoatingClear uvex supravision AR (Anti-reflective)

uvex supravision excellenceClear uvex supravision excellenceClear uvex supravision excellence

uvex supravision extremeClear uvex supravision excellenceClear uvex supravision excellence

uvex supravision extremeClear uvex supravision excellence

uvex supravision extremeClear uvex supravision excellenceAmber uvex supravision extremeGrey 23%Clear uvex supravision sapphire

uvex supravision excellenceClear uvex supravision excellence

uvex supravision extremeWelding shade uvex infradur

uvex infradur plus

Grey 14% uvex supravision excellenceGrey 23% uvex supravision extremeBrown 23%Silver mirror 12%Silver mirror 53%Variomatic uvex supravision variomaticPolavision uvex polavisionBrown CBR 65% uvex supravision excellenceSilver mirror 53% uvex supravision extremeClear uvex supravision AR (Anti-reflective)Clear uvex supravision clean

Clear uvex supravision plus

Clear uvex supravision excellenceuvex supravision sapphireuncoated

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Choosing the right glasses

As well as the protection level offered, design (both shapeand style) coupled with comfort all play an important rolewhen choosing the right eye protection. Not all safetyeyewear is the same and no two people are the same aspeople's faces vary considerably and is why the size andshape is important to ensuring the best fit and level ofprotection. Different models are offered which take intoaccount different head and facial features. Trying ondifferent styles of safety eyewear to ensure a closecomfortable fit that meet the identified protection levelfor the workplace risk is paramount.

It is important to consider prescription wearers whenselecting safety eyewear. For example, uvex offersoverspecs that can be worn over prescriptionglasses for short periods. Alternatively, uvex offerscustomised protective eyewear, our prescription safetyspectacles which offer considerably higher levels ofcomfort.

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For more information about eye protection,visit our website:

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UVEX ARBEITSSCHUTZ GMBHWürzburger Straße 181-18990766 FürthGermany

Tel: +49 911 9736-0Fax: +49 911 9736-1760E-Mail: safety@uvex.deInternet: uvex-safety.com