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Safety Glasses & Goggles

Safeguarding Your Eyes: Laser Safety Glasses and Goggles

 

If your lab works with hazardous materials like body fluids and lasers, do not take risks. Why place your eyesight at risk when you can wear safety glasses and goggles? By always protecting your eyes with safety glasses, you can safeguard your vision for a lifetime. At the same time, you and your workplace will be conforming to the safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

 

Materials for Lenses

 

The material for laser glasses requires the ability to withstand the bright and harmful rays of the lasers while permitting clarity of vision. Two basic materials comprise the construction of the lens. These are:

 

  1. Glass: These more expensive filters are adjustable for thickness. They are suitable for those who work around lasers ranging from mid to high-power density.
  2. Polycarbonate: These filters cost less and find their best application for work involving lasers ranging from low- to mid-power density.

 

Classes of Laser Systems

 

Not all laser safety glasses are the same. However, they should all help protect the eyes from the hazardous effects of scattered or reflected laser lights from these three main categories of laser systems:

 

  1. Class 3R
  2. Class 3B
  3. Class 4

 

At the same time, wearers need to be certain the glasses fit comfortably and are durable.

 

Choosing Your Laser Safety Glasses

 

The purpose of any pair of laser safety glasses and goggles is to filter light out. They must be able to accomplish this more than adequately. When choosing the right pair for your task, be sure to consult the labor safety guide or agent. His/her recommendations should echo the following. Always select your safety glasses on the following qualities of your laser:

 

  • Operating wavelength
  • Power
  • Beam diameter
  • Environment

 

Remember. Your eyesight is precious. Protect it in and out of the lab.