What Is the Australian Standard for Safety Glasses?

Eye trauma is a very real concern for tradies. Eye injury can happen in a split second, with something as simple as a small splinter of wood, metal shaving or shard of glass flying into the eye, potentially causing temporary or permanent blindness. 

In fact, a 9 News report in April this year (2023) shone a spotlight on the issue, stating eye trauma is rising amongst tradies in Victoria. The report also highlighted data provided by the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital which showed that emergency eye trauma cases had surged by 41 per cent since 2018. 

Now here’s the worst bit—most (approximately 90 per cent) of these eye traumas would have been preventable with adequate eye protection.

If you want to get on the front foot and do what you can to keep your eyes safe and sound while you’re on the job site, here’s what you need to know about the Australian standards for safety glasses.

What Is the Standard for Safety Glasses in Australia?

In Australia, workplace health and safety (WHS) is considered to be everybody’s responsibility. However, it’s integral that we have clearly established Standards to provide guidance on what we should do to reduce exposure to hazards and minimise the risk of injury.

There’s a long list of Standards that consider various workplace hazards and risks, with many of them specifying that task-specific Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should be worn as a preventative protection measure.

While there are several Standard’s that consider various aspects of eye safety and protection in the workplace, Standard AS/NZS 1337.1: 2010 Personal eye protection, Part 1: Eye and face protectors for occupational applications provides specific guidelines relating to eye protection.

To meet the Standard, eye protectors need to be designed to provide protection against medium to high velocity impact of flying particles, fragments, dusts, splashing materials, molten metals and harmful gases and vapours. 

Safety goggles and glasses that comply with AS/NZS 1337.1: 2010 generally provide a suitable level of eye protection for most tasks. However, some tasks call for more task-specific eye protection (such as face shields, hoods and helmets). 

According to the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, historically many of these weren’t considered to be primary eye protective devices and needed to be worn in conjunction with safety goggles or glasses. However, the good news is that innovative advancements now mean you can now purchase Standard-compliant safety goggles with an in-built visor (like the Scope 220GCV Spartan Goggle) for added facial protection.

How Can You Tell If Your Safety Glasses Meet Australian Standards?

All safety glasses should clearly list that they have been tested and approved to comply with the AS/NZS 1337.1: 2010 Standard at the point of sale. 

Many brands of safety glasses are also sold with an accompanying safety data sheet (like the example shown below), which provides detailed information relating to Standard compliance, construction and components, along with instructions for appropriate cleaning and storage.

If you already own a pair of safety glasses or goggles and want to check if they comply with current standards, your glasses should be fitted with a permanently affixed label which provides information specified by the Standard, such as details of the manufacturer and the purpose of the lens and eye protector.

Time To Invest In a New Pair of Safety Glasses or Goggles?

If you’re in need of a new pair of safety glasses or safety goggles, LOD Work Wear stocks an extensive range of AS/NZS 1337.1: 2010 Standard-compliant designs to choose from. 

With safety glasses and goggles from leading brands including Scope, SafeStyle, Bolle, Unit Workear, Pro Choice and JB’s Wear, we’ll get you sorted in next to no time.