Does protective eyewear that has scratches or pits need to be replaced? Shouldn’t the lenses be made of high-grade industrial materials?
A. The answer is “absolutely” for both questions. Protective eyewear with scratched and pitted lenses (particularly glass) or damaged frames are less resistant to impact and should be replaced. All protective eyewear should be cleaned, inspected, repaired and, if necessary, replaced on a regular basis. Polycarbonate is the most popular lens material and it is quite strong. In uncoated form, it is soft and prone to scratching. Coating the lens with a hardcoat makes it more durable and scratch resistant. Think of your eyewear as your own personal windshields for impact protection and clarity of sight.
Related Questions
- What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should I use when I am working with biohazardous agents or materials in our laboratory?
- Where will DOL obtain information on the various industrial chemicals, metals, solvents, and other toxic materials used by DOE?
- Are Transitions lenses recommended for protective sports eyewear?
