Personal Protection Equipment
10. Classification of PPE
10.3. Eye or face protection
This must be used when there exists the risk of particles being projected and this hazard has not been avoided through collective protection methods, e.g. when working with a circular saw, with a portable grinder, etc.
Basically the following types of eye protection exist:
Universal frame:
The use of which is permitted for:
- High-speed particles.
- Protective corrective lenses.
- Optical radiation: welding, infrared, ultraviolet, solar rays.
Full frame:
The use of which is authorised for:
- High-speed particles: low and intermediate energy.
- Optical radiation: welding, infrared, ultraviolet, solar rays.
Faceshield:
The use of which is permitted for:
- High-speed particles: low, intermediate and high energy.
- Optical radiation: welding, infrared, ultraviolet, solar rays.
- Liquid splashes.
All eye protection equipment is not, nor has to be, the same. The marks on the frame and eyepiece should be verified.
Some of the marks are the following:
Markings on the eyepiece:
- a: Impact strength.
- S: Augmented robustness.
- F: High speed, low energy.
- B: High speed, intermediate energy.
- A: High speed, high energy.
- k: Abrasion resistance.
- n: Resistance to misting.
Optical class:
This may be 1, 2 or 3. Optical class 1 offers the best optical quality and is recommended for prolonged usage.
Markings on the frame:
- a: Impact strength S, F, B, A (as required).
- 4: Use for liquids.
- 5: Use for large dust particles.
- 6: Use for fine dust particles.
