Safety glasses are an essential tool in the workplace and while doing yard work. They're also an essential piece of equipment on the sports field. Why? They prevent eye injury.
Like any tool or piece of equipment, they must be cared for correctly for them to be effective. Basic care and maintenance habits will ensure that safety glasses last a long time.
Develop A Routine
Establish a routine to care for safety glasses by using the following 10 tips.
- Clean daily. Cleaning can be as simple as rinsing glasses under cool water to remove debris and then drying them with a soft cloth. Spraying with a can of compressed air can remove dust and other particles that may have accumulated. Ideally, keep a cleaning cloth or pouch specially made for glasses handy. Knowing How to Clean Your Safety Eyewear is essential for their longevity and effectiveness.
- Use lens cleaner. While water can be an easy way to clean safety glasses, lens cleaners can remove residue that water cannot. Never use soap, which can leave a residue on glasses.
- Clean sides and ear pieces too. If you haven't done this in a while (if ever), you'll be surprised at how grimy the sides and earpieces can get. This grime can migrate onto lenses, so clean these parts often.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough cloths. These can scratch lenses and make glasses un-wearable.
- Avoid household cleaners. Glass cleaners and cleaners used to clean hard surfaces such as countertops can damage any special coating on safety eyewear.
After They're Clean
After your safety eyewear is clean, consider these additional tips for making sure eyes stay protected.
- Inspect daily. Look for any broken pieces or cracks. Even a small crack can cause eyewear to fail to provide the protection should an accident occur.
- Consider storage. The best option for storing glasses is in a hard case or microfiber pouch especially made for safety eyewear. A Microfiber Pouch is a great option too because it doubles as a cleaning cloth for lenses.
- Use a retention strap or neck cord. Some jobs allow for glasses to be removed at periodic times (lunch, at break time, during a meeting, etc.) during the day. Avoid placing them on a workbench or the top of your head since this puts glasses out of reach when needed again and increases their chances of getting damaged. An eyewear retainer or neck cord allows glasses to hang from the wearer's neck and keeps them to readily available.
- Replace eyewear when necessary. Damaged or scratched safety glasses pose a safety hazard and need to be replaced. Scratched lenses impair vision and strain eyes.
- Use anti-fog solutions. Many glasses come with anti-fog technology, but many do not. An anti-fog solution can be purchased and provide an effective way to keep safety glasses clear of fog.
The above habits are easily implemented in the workplace by providing a readily available and well-stocked cleaning station. Individuals can implement their own system using a personal cleaning kit.
Get Your Money's Worth
Safety glasses provide much-needed protection for eyes in a variety of settings from the workplace to the athletic field. Proper care keeps them effective and from becoming a hazard.
When you invest in a good pair of safety glasses, you want to make sure you get your money's worth and that they last a long time. Consistent and proper maintenance of safety glasses is a simple habit that will keep them in good condition and looking great for many years!
