Prescription spectacles are not a suitable substitute for eye protection. Workers who wear glasses need compatible PPE to stay safe.
Eye protection is designed and tested for use against specific hazards encountered in the workplace. Impact resistance protects the wearer from flying particles and debris while specialist lenses filter UV, sunglare, infrared and other forms of harmful optical radiation.
Prescription spectacles are not assessed to the same standards. They are not designed to withstand impacts or filter optical radiation at the same level, and the lenses are more susceptible to damage.
Workers who wear prescription spectacles also require eye protection. The items must be compatible to provide effective protection and ensure the wearer can see clearly.
Depending on your eye protection requirements, there are a number of options that offer compatibility with prescription spectacles or allow corrective lenses to be fitted using an insert.
Overspectacles
Overspectacles are designed to be worn with prescription spectacles, allowing the wearer’s own glasses to fit comfortably underneath.
Faceshields
Faceshields mounted on a browguard or helmet fit safely over prescription spectacles to provide compatible eye and face protection.
Helmet integrated eye protection
Helmets with integrated eyeshields and faceshields offer combined head and eye protection that is fully compatible with prescription spectacles. Find out more about integrated eye protection helmets.
Safety goggles
Corrective lenses can be added to safety goggles using an RX insert. The insert is glazed with the appropriate prescription lens then fitted inside the goggle to provide visual correction without interrupting the goggle seal.
Prescription safety spectacles
Prescription safety spectacles offer eye protection with visual correction at different strengths. View JSP prescription safety spectacles.
Selecting compatible eye protection for workers who wear prescription spectacles is crucial. Compatibility ensures that the eye protection can perform correctly, protecting the wearer against dangerous hazards, as well as preventing visual distortions to reduce the risk of accidents. For more information on selecting eye protection view the latest JSP PPE Product Guide.
Learn more about eye protection compatibility
Find out how to select eye protection for UV radiation and sunglare