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PPE Selection - Heat: Safety Spectacles
Worker wearing safety spectacles Safety spectacles with side shields are used as primary protection to shield the eyes from heat hazards. To adequately protect the eyes and face from high temperature exposure, use safety spectacles in combination with a heat-reflective face shield.

The frames of safety spectacles are constructed out of metal and/or plastic and can be fitted with either corrective or plano impact-resistant lenses. Side shields are incorporated into the frames of safety spectacles when workplace operations expose workers to angular impact hazards. Consider each component of safety spectacles when selecting the appropriate device for your workplace.
Lenses
The lenses of safety spectacles are designed to resist moderate impact from flying objects and particles.
  • Plano lenses:

    • Should be used by workers who do not require vision correction
    • May be flat or curved
    • Are available in clear, filtered, or tinted lenses
    • May include removable lenses
Plano Lenses
Fig. 1:
Plano Lenses
  • Prescription (Rx) lenses:

    • Should be used by workers who require vision correction
    • May be clear, filtered, or tinted
    • May include removable lenses
Prescripton Lenses
Fig. 2:
Prescription Lenses
Filter Lenses
Fig. 3:
Filter Lenses
  • Special Purpose Lenses:

    • Are used for visual tasks that require unusual filtering of light
    • Examples include but are not limited to:

      • photochromic lenses
      • didymium containing
      • cobalt containing
      • uniformly tinted
      • prescription lenses
    • May not correspond to specific filter lens shades
    • May not provide adequate protection against ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation
    • May involve a lift-front device that is permanently attached or snaps-on and may be raised or lowered
Special Purpose Lenses
Fig. 4:
Special Purpose Lenses
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Frames
The safety spectacle frames must fit comfortably and correctly to offer the necessary protection.
  • Spatula temples:

    • Fit over the ear
    • Can be either fixed or adjustable
    • Are available in metal or plastic 
Spatula Temples
Fig. 5:
Spatula Temples
  • Cable temples:

    • Fit around the ear
    • Can be either fixed or adjustable
    • Are available in metal or plastic
  • Headband temples:

    • Are easily adjustable for a secure fit
    • Are useful for tasks requiring movement
Headband Temples
Fig. 6:
Headband Temples
  • Bridges:

    • Are available in a variety of sizes
    • Are available in fixed or adjustable types
    • May have adjustable nose pads with pliable arms
Adjustable Nose Pads
Fig. 7:
Adjustable Nose Pads
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Side Shields
Side shields provide angular protection from impact hazards in addition to frontal protection.
  • Flatfold or semi side shields:

    • May be part of or attached to the temple
    • Are permanent or removable
    • Are solid or ventilated
    • Are tinted or clear
Flatfold Side Shields
Fig. 8:
Flatfold Side Shields
  • Full (cup) side shields may be:

    • Removable
    • Wire screen
    • Tinted or clear
Full (cup) Side Shields
Fig. 9:
Full (cup) Side Shields
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