How to Pick the Right Safety Glasses for the Job

Let’s face it, hazards on the job are part of everyday life. But with the right safety gear you can cut the risk right down. Your eyes are too important to take chances with so it makes sense to wear safety glasses that not only protect, but are also comfortable enough to wear all day.

Picking the right pair doesn’t have to be complicated. SAYKA’s Protekt range has options to suit different jobs and conditions. 

Here are four simple steps to help you choose the right eye protection for your worksite.

1. Understand Your Workplace Hazards

You may encounter various risks on the job that can threaten your eye health and safety including: 

• Flying debris and particles
  
  
• UV radiation
  
  
• Bright light or glare
  
  
• Chemicals and vapour
  
  
• Impact hazards
  
  
• Infrared radiation
  
  

Impact Rating for Eye Protection

Eye protection impact ratings are determined by its ability to withstand impact from a specified weight ball without cracking, detaching, dislodging, breaking, or coming into contact with the eye or head. For instance, "High Impact" can withstand an impact from an object moving up to 120 metres per second.

Under the AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 standard, the maximum rating safety eyewear glasses and goggles can achieve is medium impact (45 m/s), as they do not cover the entire face. The following table specifies the requirements for each rating:

2. Assess Your Work Environment

Your work environment plays a significant role in determining the risks to eye safety. Selecting the right eyewear solutions can greatly improve your ability to work safely and efficiently.

Key environmental considerations:

• Extreme Fogging: Constant movement between areas of different temperatures and humidity levels.
  
  
• Extreme Scratching: Highly abrasive, dirty, and dusty environments.
  
  
• Fogging and Scratching: Physical work in dusty and abrasive environments.
  
  

Whether it's cold, hot, humid, dry, highly abrasive, or clean environments, SAYKA has developed market-leading lens coating technologies designed to maximise vision even in the most extreme conditions.

3. Consider Lighting Conditions

Lighting conditions are critical to maintaining eye safety, especially if you’re exposed to various types of lighting such as indoor/outdoor lighting, glare, or low-light environments. Choosing the right lens tint, like amber, can help reduce eye strain, improve visibility, and enhance contrast, keeping your vision sharp and your eyes protected throughout the day. 

The Australian standards (AS/NZS 1337.1) outline the transmittance requirements for untinted and sunglare oculars.

4. Ensure Proper Fit

The best safety glasses are those that fit you best. When your safety glasses fit poorly or incorrectly, you're putting yourself at a higher risk of injury. Head and face shapes vary considerably, so it's impossible to find one pair that works for everyone.

Fitting Guide Checklist:

• No pressure points on the temples or behind the ears.
  
  
• The Nose piece is comfortable - fixed or adjustable based on preference.
  
  
• Clear vision in all directions with no major obstructions.
  
  
• Weight is evenly balanced across the ears.
  
  
• Frames sit close (≤ 6–8mm gap), without touching eyelashes.
  
  
• Lenses cover eyebrows and surrounding soft tissue.
  
  
• Glasses stay secure with head movement.

SAYKA Top Picks

• Protekt Infinity Safety Glasses - Clear: Durable polycarbonate lens with a hard coat for scratch resistance and reduced dirt buildup, perfect for everyday use.
• Protekt Saturn Safety Glasses - Amber: Built for changing light conditions, these glasses have an amber lens with anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings for clear, lasting protection.
• Protekt Jupiter Safety Glasses - Indoor/Outdoor: Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, providing maximum comfort and visibility.
• Protekt Blaze Safety Glasses - Clear: Features a hard-coated, scratch-resistant lens and an anti-fog coating, ideal for humid environments.

Need help finding the right eye protection?

Contact us sales@sayka.com.au and we’d be happy to recommend the best products for your job.