Debris projection is common when doing DIY projects. To protect oneself, one must use optical protection. Here, you will find numerous models of protective glasses at the best price from brands like BOLLE SAFETY, a global leader in eye protection.
How to choose your protective glasses?
Protective glasses are obviously not the same as the sunglasses or prescription glasses one uses in everyday life.
They are designed for specific uses typical for DIY enthusiasts, namely activities that involve impacts and/or exposure to heat and/or various types of radiation, for example.
Taking this into account, it is necessary for the DIYer to be aware of the different risks to be able to correctly choose their optical protection equipment.
The different risks
Regarding glasses, it's only about mechanical risks, and/or risks related to radiation, chemical and thermal risks can only be managed by more comprehensive protections like masks.
Mechanical risks (standard EN 166): this type of risk mainly concerns the projection of particles that are likely to create a significant impact.
In terms of mechanical risks, there is a classification with a letter system that is found on the lenses and frames of each pair of glasses. We will mention here only the classifications that can be found on glasses, namely:
F: low-energy impacts (6 mm and 0.86 gr pellet at 45 m/s)
B: medium-energy impacts (6mm and 0.86 gr pellet at 120m/s)
T: extreme temperatures impacts (from -5°C to 55°C)
Note that F and B can be combined with T thus linking their properties.
K: Resistance to surface deterioration by fine particles (anti-scratch)
N: Resistance to fogging
Risks related to radiation: there can be different types of optical radiation when doing DIY, especially in case of welding.
Optical radiation can almost all be managed by standard glasses:
Radiation related to gas welding (standard EN 169)
Ultraviolet radiation (standard EN 170)
Infrared radiation (standard EN 171)
Laser radiation (standards EN 207 and 208)
Solar radiation for industrial use (standard EN 172)
Choice of optical class
There are 3 classes:
Class 1: continuous work (best quality, no possible distortion)
Class 2: intermittent work
Class 3: occasional work (lowest quality)
For quality concerns, on ManoMano, you will only find Class 1 products.
Now that you know all about the risks and the different classifications, you just have to choose your pair. Also know that choosing your model is also a matter of taste! Modern or sporty design, panoramic vision glasses, anti-slip frame... You will be spoiled for choice and always at the best price!