AVIT Eye protection

Product Code: AV13022

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Product Description

EN166:1F

  • Tinted lens ideal for moving between indoor and outdoor locations
  • Frameless sports style design for distortion free vision
  • Cushioned temple pads for superior comfort and grip
  • Polycarbonate lens for protection against low energy impact

 

How do I recognize safety glasses?

Lenses: The Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-certified safety glasses have plastic polycarbonate lenses. They are stronger than regular lenses, are impact-resistant, and come in prescription and non-prescription (plano or zero-power lens) forms.

Markings on safety glasses: The manufacturer or supplier logo is marked (or etched) on all approved safety lenses, frames (front and temple), removable side shields, and other parts of the glasses, goggles, or helmets.

Frames: Safety frames are stronger than street-wear frames and are often heat resistant. They are also designed to prevent lenses from being pushed into the eyes.

Safety Glasses


What are the pros and cons of the different lenses?

Comparison of Lens Materials
MaterialCharacteristics
Polycarbonate
  • Strongest material for impact resistance
  • Lightweight
  • Can be coated for scratch resistance
  • Most have built-in UV radiation protection
Plastic (CR39)
  • About one-half the weight of glass
  • Resistant to solvents and pitting
  • More choices for coatings and tinting
Trivex
  • More impact resistant than CR39 Plastic
  • Less impact resistant than polycarbonate
  • UV radiation absorption properties
Glass
  • High-density material (heavy lenses)
  • Loses impact resistance if scratched
  • Does not meet impact criteria as set by CSA

 

From: Z94.3.1-09 Selection, use and care of protective eyewear by Canadian Standards Association, 2009.


What is the difference between plastic and polycarbonate?

The "standard plastic" lenses in safety glasses are often called "Hard Resin", "CR-39 plastic", or just "plastic" lenses. CR-39® is actually a PPG Industries registered trade name for a DADC (diallyl diglycol carbonate) polymer that was introduced in 1941. The "CR" stands for Columbia Resin and CR-39 was the 39th batch or formula made by Columbia Laboratories in Ohio. This polymer is a polycarbonate but its starting materials are different from the resins used in safety glasses with "polycarbonate" lenses. The hard resin or CR-39 plastic is a thermoset plastic meaning it cannot be molded or bent when heated.

On the other hand, the polycarbonate polymers (e.g., Lexan®, a GE trade name) are thermoplastic which means that the lenses can be formed by melting polycarbonate pellets and injecting them into a mold.


What should I know about the fit and care of safety glasses?

If eye protection is required, establish a complete eye safety protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection.

Fit

  • Ensure your safety glasses fit properly. Eye size, bridge size and temple length all vary. Safety glasses should be individually assigned and fitted.
  • Wear safety glasses so that the temples fit comfortably over the ears. The frame should be as close to the face as possible and adequately supported by the bridge of the nose.

Care

Safety glasses need maintenance.

  • Clean your safety glasses daily. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid rough handling that can scratch lenses.
  • Scratches impair vision and can weaken lenses.
  • Store your safety glasses in a clean, dry place where they cannot fall or be stepped on. Keep them in a case when they are not being worn.
  • Replace scratched, pitted, broken, bent or ill-fitting glasses. Damaged glasses interfere with vision and do not provide protection.
  • Replace damaged parts only with identical parts from the original manufacturer to ensure the same safety rating.


What should I know about lens colours?

Lenses can be clear, tinted, photochromic or polarized. Each type offers various levels of ultraviolet protection, including no protection (even when coloured). Do not be fooled by the colour of the lenses.

Conduct a hazard assessment to identify the hazards that workers may be exposed to, and then select appropriate PPE when engineering controls or other more permanent methods of control are not possible. Consult with the PPE manufacturer about the uses and limitations for each type of eye or face protection.