Being a first responder is a noble occupation, but the conditions of the job mean having a lot of protection needed to avoid putting physical safety at risk. Typically, first responders are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the chances of occupational injury and other serious hazards.
The kind of PPE worn usually depends on the nature of the job itself. For example, paramedics and emergency medical services wear face shields and surgical-grade gowns when dealing with patients who carry infectious diseases. Meanwhile, firefighters have heat-resistant gear to protect them from high thermal exposure. Generally, though, one of the most critical aspects of PPE is eyewear since the eyes are often left vulnerable during hazardous situations. But can ordinary sunglasses provide enough protection for these high-risk jobs? Read on to find out.
What kind of protection do ordinary sunglasses provide?
Ordinary sunglasses are designed for sun and ultraviolet (UV) protection, but it is important to note that a darker tint does not indicate better coverage. In the UK, sunglasses for sun protection come with the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1 to show that a particular pair meets the standard for safety against harsh sunlight and UV rays. Additionally, cellulose acetate plastic is the most popular and cost-effective material for sunglasses. However, other manufacturers may also use stainless steel, aluminium, wood, and rubber for the frames. In line with this, the lenses can be made from glass, plastic, or SR-91 liquid resin.
With a wide variety of sunglasses available, there are also models that can accommodate people needing vision correction. Prescription sunglasses are custom-made with an existing prescription to help a wear block UV light without having to sacrifice clear vision. These glasses come in various tints, lens options, and shapes to suit personal style preferences. There are wayfarer frames like the Gibson for a classic look, the Primrose for a fun cat eye, and round metal frames like the Hawkins to achieve effortless chic.
Lens coatings are also often used to provide more protection from UV rays and reflective surfaces, while others add scratch-resistant properties to the sunglasses. While these benefit most people, ordinary sunglasses do not offer enough protection for the kind of work done by first responders.
Which sunglasses work best for first responders?
Ideally, the kind of sunglasses first responders should use can counter all risks that could harm the eyes while facing dangerous situations. A great example of a brand that designs sunglasses to mitigate the risk of injury is Bollé Safety, as the models in the Standard Issue line can combine performance, comfort, and protection. Their safety eyewear is made with platinum anti-fog and anti-scratch materials that give the lenses resistance to extreme environments and temperatures. Additionally, this coating ensures clear vision in all conditions, which is vital for first responders to see and assess damage or assist people in critical situations.
Firefighters, in particular, benefit greatly from having quality eyewear like the ones from Bollé Safety since their frames have a wraparound design for comfort and a non-slip grip to ensure that they stay in place while on the job. Other brands, such as Wiley X, are also known for their dedicated line of military-grade tactical sunglasses that can protect the eyes while working on the field. Even non-military personnel such as paramedics and those working in EMS benefit from their quality eyewear because these can protect against blunt objects, blood, chemicals, and other biohazards.
Overall, ordinary sunglasses provide many benefits related to sun safety and protection against UV rays. While these are ideal for most people, first responders need sunglasses made from more durable materials and have proper coatings to resist different environments and temperatures. This not only allows you to do your job well, but it provides ample protection to keep you safe against physical risk.
For more information please visit: www.bolle-safety.com
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