Splash Goggles vs. Safety Glasses

In this post, I will discuss the differences between splash goggles and safety glasses, and which one you should wear.

What are splash goggles?

Splash goggles are designed to protect your eyes from liquid splashes. They form a seal around your eyes and have an elastic strap that goes around your head to keep them in place. Splash goggles are made of polycarbonate, which is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic.

What are safety glasses?

Safety glasses are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is designed to protect your eyes from injuries. They typically have thicker and more durable lenses than regular glasses, and they may also have additional features like side shields to protect your eyes from debris or chemicals.

Safety glasses are designed to protect your eyes from flying debris. They do not seal around your eyes, so they will not protect you from liquid splashes. However, they do have side shields to protect your eyes from debris coming in from the sides. Safety glasses are usually made of tempered glass, which is a strong and shatter-resistant type of glass.

How do splash goggles differ from safety glasses?

While both safety glasses and splash goggles protect eyes from flying debris, they differ in the level of protection they provide. Safety glasses are designed to protect eyes from impacts and usually have polycarbonate lenses. Splash goggles, on the other hand, have significantly higher impact resistance and are designed to keep liquids away from the eyes.

Both types of eyewear need to fit snugly to your face in order to be effective. Splash goggles usually have an indirect ventilation system that keeps liquids out while allowing air to circulate, preventing fogging. When choosing between safety glasses and splash goggles, it is important to consider the level of protection you need. For example, if you are working with chemicals, you will need splash goggles that are specifically designed for that type of work.

What are the benefits of splash goggles?

Splash goggles provide better protection than safety glasses for many applications because they fit snugly to your face and create a seal that keeps out liquids. Splash goggles also tend to be made of thicker, tougher materials than safety glasses. However, splash goggles can fog up more easily than safety glasses, so they might not be the best choice if you need to see clearly at all times.

What are the benefits of safety glasses?

Safety glasses provide eye protection from flying debris, dust, liquids, and other potential hazards. They are made of tough, shatterproof polycarbonate and usually have wrap-around style frames. Many safety glasses also have side shields to further protect your eyes.

How do you choose between splash goggles and safety glasses?

The choice between splash goggles and safety glasses depends on the type of hazard you are facing. Splash goggles provide full coverage of the eyes and are typically used in environments where there is a risk of chemicals or other liquids getting in the eyes. Safety glasses provide less coverage but may be adequate in some situations, such as when working with wood or metal shavings.

Here is a quick guide to help you decide which type of eye protection is right for you:

Safety Glasses:

  • Wrap around your eyes to provide peripheral protection.
  • Can be worn with other PPE like earplugs or a respirator.
  • Good for general-purpose use.

Splash Goggles:

  • Seal tight to your face to prevent chemical splashes from getting in.
  • Can fog up, so not ideal for long periods of use.
  • Must be removed to eat or drink.

How to care for your splash goggles?

Caring for your splash goggles does not require much time or effort. Here are some tips you can use:

  • Make sure to clean them each time you use them.
  • Always only use lens cleaner and never soap, which can leave a residue. The ear pieces and sides should also not be overlooked.
  • Avoid using an abrasive soap that can scratch the lenses.
  • Absolutely do not use any household cleaners that may be available in the office, lab, or warehouse.

How to care for your safety glasses?

Here are some tips on how to care for your safety glasses:

  • Always clean them with a microfiber cloth and lukewarm water. Avoid using soap, as this can damage the lenses.
  • If you wear them for work, be sure to remove them before using any harsh chemicals.
  • Store them in a safe place when not in use
  • Away from children and pets.
  • Inspect them regularly for any cracks or damage. If you notice any, please replace them immediately.

In Closing

Your safety is important to us, which is why we want to make sure you know how to properly wear and care for your safety glasses and splash goggles. Whether you wear them for work or play, we want to make sure they last you a long time and keep you protected!

NEXT UP: How to Clean a Face Shield Properly

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Nick Klamecki, Author
About Nick Klamecki, Author

Nick Klamecki is a certified Fire and Workplace Safety expert with 15 years experience in product research and testing. He has a degree from U.C. Davis, is an active outdoorsman and spent years ensuring the safety of special needs children. Nick researches and tests workplace, industrial and safety products and provides advice on their safe use. Learn more about Nick here or connect with him on LinkedIn | Medium