When there is dust present, the best eye protection to use is sealed safety goggles rather than just safety glasses. Goggles provide a complete seal around the eyes preventing dust particles from entering. For coarser dust that falls quickly, indirect-vented goggles (D4 rating) are appropriate, allowing some airflow to reduce fogging. For fine airborne dust that lingers, non- vented sealed goggles (D5 rating) offer the best protection by preventing any dust ingress. Safety glasses with side shields and top shields help but do not fully seal the eyes from dust infiltration. Additionally, anti-fog coatings on goggles improve wearability and safety by minimizing lens fogging and encouraging consistent use.
In summary:
- Safety goggles provide better dust protection than safety glasses.
- Use non-vented goggles for fine dust or long exposure.
- Use indirect-vented goggles for coarse dust with less fogging.
- Anti-fog coatings are important to maintain clear vision.
- Safety glasses alone are not sufficient against dust.
This ensures eyes are fully protected from dust particles that can cause irritation, injury, or long-term damage.
