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Proper Care for Safety Glasses

Tens of thousands of eye injuries occur each year resulting in the partial or total loss of vision to the victim. Safety glasses are a common piece of personal protective equipment that are part of any workplace safety program. They'll help you avoid becoming part of those statistics. As with any tool, they require maintenance to ensure that they perform as intended and last a long time.

  1. Cleaning

    • Safety glasses need periodic maintenance. Daily inspection of your safety glasses is required to make sure that they are not dirty, dusty or broken. Unclean or scratched eye wear can lead to eye strain and headaches. Most employers offer one or more options for cleaning safety glasses.

      Individually wrapped, moistened towelettes are available. There may be safety glasses cleaning stations at your workplace that contain a spray bottle of cleaning solution and a lens cleaning tissue dispenser. Many lens cleaning solutions offer anti-static and anti-fog properties as well. You may also clean them with a non-abrasive soap and water using a soft, dry cloth. Even a clean cotton T-shirt will do. When cleaning your safety glasses, only apply enough pressure to remove dirt, dust, or residue. Pressing too hard may cause scratches or cracks in the lenses.

    Handling and Storage

    • Scratches on your safety glasses can reduce their effectiveness and cause eye problems. Maintain awareness of your handling and placement of the glasses. Avoid carelessly handling them. Rather than placing them down on your workbench when removed, consider obtaining an eyewear retention strap or chain.

      It's not advisable to leave your safety glasses on your work table when not in use. Don't carelessly toss them into your toolbox or the glove compartment of your vehicle. Store them with protection and in a dry place. An eyeglass case offers the best protection when not in use. However, you can use other clever, inexpensive ways to store them safely. A clean sock offers protection against scratches and dust. If you have nothing else available, retain the plastic sleeve in which they came or use a sandwich baggie for storage.

    Replacement

    • Any time your safety glasses are scratched, broken, or are affected by crazing, they should be replaced with a new pair. Working with damaged safety glasses may lessen their ability to protect you from debris impact. Scratched or crazed lenses may cause eye strain.

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