Safety glasses for tradesmen and tradeswomen: how to choose and use them

When grinding, sawing, drilling and demolishing, particles fly around that can damage your eyes. Good safety glasses are then not a superfluous luxury but basic protection. In this blog you will read how, as a professional, you choose the right safety glasses, how to use them correctly and how to combine them with other PPE.

👷 Which glasses you need follows from your risk assessment, the agreements in your company and the requirements of your client. A safety adviser is never superfluous if you doubt the right choice. See also our blog on safe working on the construction site.

What to look for in safety glasses

• Impact resistance: choose glasses that match the risk. A safety goggles is suitable for many jobs, a impact-protection goggles offers extra impact protection.
• Sealing: with dust, splashes or liquids, glasses that fit well around the face are important.
• Fogging and scratches: a coating helps limit fogging and scratches.
• Fit and comfort: glasses that pinch or slip are quickly taken off. Choose a model that fits well, also under a helmet.
• Vision: clear lenses for indoors, tinted lenses for bright sunlight outdoors.

Which glasses for which work?

• Grinding and sawing: always use well-sealing glasses with an AG125 angle grinder, possibly with a face shield. Combine with earmuffs and a FFP3 dust mask or FFP2 dust mask for dust.
• Demolition and drilling: impact-protection goggles with impact protection, together with a safety helmet for work where something can fall.
• Dusty work: glasses with good sealing and a dust mask. A construction vacuum cleaner keeps the work area clean.
• Work on the floor: think of Raimondi knee pads with gel and cut-resistant gloves next to eye protection.

Combine with other PPE

Glasses only protect your eyes. Also wear hearing protection for noise (read our blog on hearing protection), the right gloves (read our buying guide for work gloves) and a work gloves with nitrile coating model that suits the work. Provide good lighting with a rechargeable LED work lamp, so you do not have to strain to see your work.

Maintenance and replacement

• Clean the lenses with water and a soft cloth, not a dry cloth.
• Store the glasses in a tube or case.
• Replace glasses when scratched, cracked or when the frame is bent.
• Check before use that the glasses fit and sit securely.

💡 Keep a second pair within reach, so you never carry on without eye protection if one breaks.

Common mistakes

• Wearing ordinary glasses instead of safety glasses.
• Wearing glasses that do not fit well or are too scratched.
• Taking eye protection off for 'just a quick job'.
• Not wearing a face shield for heavy grinding.
• Focusing only on your glasses at a pillar drill or other rotating machine. Tie back long hair or wear it under a cap, avoid loose clothing and never wear gloves that rotating parts can catch.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear my own glasses under safety glasses?

Over-glasses exist. Choose a model that fits well and ask for advice if needed.

When is a face shield needed?

For heavy grinding or a risk of large splashes. Follow the agreements in your company.

How often should I replace safety glasses?

When they are damaged, scratched or deformed.

Read also: Grip and feel: nitrile-coated work gloves with grip dots

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.