What Does
Plano Lenses Mean?
Plano lenses are eyeglass lenses that provide no vision correction. They are in widespread use as protective equipment or safety spectacles designed to protect against eye injuries caused by flying dust, dirt, metal, wood chips, and other particles. They are also used in PPE meant to protect against liquid chemical splashes and harmful vapors.
Free Webinar On Demand – Safety Showers & Eyewash Stations – The Challenge of Tepid Water
Safeopedia Explains Plano Lenses
Workplace hazards that put the eye at risk are numerous, including:
- Flying solid particles from chipping, grinding, drilling, sawing, hammering activities, and the use of powered tools or blowers
- Splashes from solvents, detergents, hazardous chemicals, or hot liquids
- Swinging objects that might accidentally hit or scratch the eyes while working
- Heat, sparks, and intense light emitted while doing hot works such as welding and cutting
The following types of workers tend to be exposed to eye hazards:
- Welders, cutters, and all types of smiths
- Wood workers, carpenters, plumbers, and pipe fitters
- Electricians, machinists, mechanics, and millwrights
- Chemical handlers and process operators
Plano lenses must fit a worker’s face properly in order to be effective. They should not restrict the normal vision and eye movements of the user and must be reasonably impact protective. It is ideal that these lenses are clear, scratch free, washable and reusable for some time. In the U.S., they should comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 or equal standards.