Types of Eye & Face Protection: An Overview

There are several types of PPE designed to protect the eyes and face from injury at work. Now, we will review the various kinds of Eye & Face Protection.

Goggles are designed to fit the wearer's face and completely surround the eye area. Workers can use them as a primary protector or with other types of Eye & Face Protection.

Safety lenses (or safety spectacles) are protective devices designed to protect the worker's eyes from myriad work-related hazards, mainly impact and optical radiation injuries.

Face shields are generally used to protect the wearer's face (or parts of it) from workplace hazards. Face shields also protect the eyes, but they should be used in addition to other types of Eye & Face Protection.

Welding helmets are shielding devices that use special absorptive lenses that filter the intense light and radiation produced while welding.

OSHA requires employers to have full-face respirators on hand in case of situations that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) of their employees. These are designed to protect workers from dangerous airborne agents or gases. They can be self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) or supplied-air respirators (SAR).

To learn more about Eye & Face Protection visit our Eye & Face Protection Online Training web page.