Choosing safety glasses for working with a grinder

A grinder or an angle grinder (angle grinder) is a dangerous tool in work. When using it, it is important to follow certain safety rules. One of them is the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The employee must use a suit, gloves and glasses. The latter are designed to protect the organs of vision. They will be discussed in this article.

When cutting or grinding with a grinder, a lot of dust or small mechanical particles are generated. If work is carried out with metal, sparks are generated. Due to centrifugal force, they fly away at high speed next to the master. Because of this, there is a high likelihood of eye damage. Sparks in the eyes are extremely dangerous as they often cause retinal burns. If the work is done with soft materials such as wood, chips will form. The risk of getting it into the organs of vision is also great. In this case, it is possible to get serious injuries, and in some cases - partial or complete loss of vision.

There are several types of goggles. Quality products are manufactured in accordance with GOST 12.4023−76. According to the regulations, such PPE provide an open field of vision, do not fog up during work, fit snugly to the face and are lightweight. Regardless of the type of glasses, they must meet these requirements. There are a huge number of models of personal eye protection from domestic and foreign manufacturers on the market. Depending on the design features, they can be open or closed.

The second type is closed. Glasses in this design are considered the safest. They can be used to work with any petrol or power tool used for cutting or grinding various materials. Due to a snug fit to the face, such protective ammunition prevents dust, small and large mechanical particles, sparks from a stone or metal from entering the eyes. Unfortunately, goggles are not without their drawbacks. The main disadvantage is rapid fogging when working with a grinder, due to the lack of natural ventilation.

Various materials are used for the production of goggles. It is they who largely determine the features, advantages and disadvantages of ready-made PPE. Manufacturers use three types of materials.

• Mineral glass. The advantages of glasses made of this material are their ability to perfectly transmit light and resistance to minor mechanical damage (with weak force effects, no scratches or other traces remain on them). A serious disadvantage is the fragility of such products. Severe impact may break the goggles and injure the operator's eyes from shrapnel.

• Plastic. Plastic glasses do not have the same benefits that glass products are famous for.They transmit light much worse and quickly become dull due to the smallest scratches and abrasions formed during use. Due to such external defects, the products cease to provide good visibility over time. The disadvantages are also distinguished by the "fear" of chemically aggressive substances and high temperatures. The advantages include resistance to force. If, nevertheless, the plastic glasses break, they will not shatter into fragments, like their glass "brothers".

• Silicone. PPE made from this material is very flexible. They are capable of withstanding blows of any force. However, during use, silicone glasses quickly become cloudy. In addition, they can deform when exposed to high temperatures.

Buying protective ammunition for your eyes is a serious business. The safety of work with a grinder will depend on it. If you need long-term operation of equipment for cutting or grinding hard metals, you do not need to save on glasses and purchase the cheapest option. Reliable and quality products should be preferred.

Experts advise purchasing goggles with internal ventilation. It will prevent fogging of the lenses and ensure comfortable work. Such models are chosen by those who use the tool in high humidity conditions. If you plan to use not only a grinder, but also welding equipment, it is advisable to take universal glasses with UV protection. PPE with a chameleon effect will prevent direct sunlight from entering your eyes.

When choosing ammunition for eye protection, you need to give preference not only to functional, but also convenient models. To make the right purchase, you need to try on glasses, make sure that they do not "slip" with sudden movements of the head and tilts. The grinder is a dangerous tool, therefore, during its operation, it is important that the protective equipment does not distract from work, does not pinch the head and provide a good view of the master.

Manufacturers offer many variations of eye protection goggles. The models are presented in a wide price segment, so everyone can choose a product in accordance with their financial capabilities. Below is a rating of domestic and foreign manufacturers of PPE, whose products have the best ratio in terms of cost and quality.

• "Master". Domestic protective equipment. Glasses of this brand with tinted lenses are especially popular. They do not distort colors. Designed to work in sunny weather. They have wide transparent arms.

• Pyramex. Products from an American manufacturer. The advantages of glasses include their functionality, efficiency and reliability. They are made of high quality polycarbonate, which provides good light transmission (at least 98%). They have a wide frame that protects the skin around the eyes from sparks and flying debris.

• Lux Optical. French products. The company produces an extensive range of open and closed glasses. PPE for the eyes is durable and effective.

• Uvex Flex Seal. German goggles with silicone seals for a snug fit of the protective gear to the head.

When using protective products, it is important to follow certain rules. It is important to inspect the glasses before starting work. A visual assessment verifies that the fasteners are secure.Some PPE models need to be treated with special formulations to prevent rapid fogging. This often applies to closed-type ammunition without side or direct ventilation. After these steps, you should "fit" the product to the size of the head by adjusting the length of the belt or adjusting the angle of the temples.

Upon completion of work, glasses are wiped with a damp cloth from dirt, dust, metal or wood shavings. For these purposes, you can buy in advance a material impregnated with a specialized composition for disinfecting the surface of PPE. The wiped and dried ammunition is placed in a storage case. If these recommendations are followed, the products will last a long time, while retaining their effectiveness.

To protect the eyes, the majority of consumers choose the products of the ROSOMZ trademark. Firstly, they like the wide range of PPE for their eyes. The company's catalog contains closed and open glasses, models with adjustable clamps, ultraviolet variations. Secondly, it attracts an affordable price. The cost of most of the proposed models does not exceed 500 rubles. The benefits also include:

• wide viewing angle;
• the ability to adjust the temples and belt;
• good fit;
• lens transparency and its preservation during long-term use;
• snug fit;
• resistance to scratches and other minor defects.

For information on how to choose glasses for working with a grinder, see the next video.