The number one reason for scratched lenses is improper cleaning. The second reason is poor handling and storage of safety eyewear.
It’s no surprise that the best way to make sure your eyewear is long lasting and high performing is through proper care, cleaning, and storage.
Take a moment to think about how you clean and care for your safety eyewear. Do you hold the lens to your shirt to rub it clean? Do you use a paper towel and regular soap to clean the lens? Or, do you (gasp!) use your saliva to clean your lenses?
We actually recommend avoiding all of those options. You could be scratching your lenses cleaning them with the materials above and the soap (and saliva) will leave a film over your lenses, which defeats the purpose of why you were trying to clean them in the first place!
Instead, try these steps to help you properly clean and care for your safety eyewear.
Step 1: Lightly blow off any loose dirt or debris from your lenses.
Step 2: Rinse your lenses with cool water.
Step 3: If you have an eyewear cleaning station at work, spray the cleaning solution directly onto the lenses.
Step 4: Use a lens-safe tissue provided at the cleaning station to dry and wipe clean. Let the lenses air dry before re-wearing.
Note: If you don’t have an eyewear tissue dispensing or cleaning station, use a soft microfiber cloth or eyewear approved tissue to dry the lens after rinsing off with water.
Step 5: If you’re not immediately putting the safety eyewear on, store it in a secure spot like a locker, or in a pouch. Never put unprotected safety eyewear in your pocket.
Following these steps will help you increase the longevity and usefulness of your safety eyewear.
This article was originally published in HexArmor Safety Blog, March 20, 2017.
If you have questions about the eye protection equipment for your specific application, please contact one of PK Safety Customer Service experts at 800-829-9580, or visit pksafety.com.