Safety Glasses, Goggles and Face Shields: Markings and Choice

Eye injuries at work come from flying particles, dust, splashing liquids and molten metal. In Australia and New Zealand, AS/NZS 1337.1 sets the minimum requirements for non-prescription eye and face protectors meant for those hazards, and the markings on each protector show what it was tested for.

Three kinds of eye protector

Safety spectacles are protective lenses in spectacle-type frames. Goggles fit the contour of the face and are held on by an adjustable headband. A face shield is a transparent visor held in front of the face to shield the eyes.

Each type covers a different mix of hazards. In the AS/NZS 1337.1 marking table published by uvex, spectacles and goggles are listed for low and medium impact, while face shields are listed for all four impact levels.

The standards: AS/NZS 1337.1 and AS/NZS 1336

AS/NZS 1337.1 is the product standard. uvex describes it as covering protection against flying particles and fragments, dusts, splashing materials and molten metals, harmful gases, vapours and aerosols, with requirements for optical quality and impact resistance.

AS/NZS 1336 covers selection. The University of Western Australia's PPE guidelines say its Tables 4.1 and 4.2 give guidance on selecting eye protection, starting with the nature of the risk, such as radiation, impact, dust or liquid and chemical splash or spray.

Reading the markings

3M's data sheets say markings on eye protectors are a requirement for certification and help users identify the intended use. On AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 lenses, 3M lists I as medium impact and O as suitable for outdoor and indoor use.

Other markings show the hazard a protector was tested for. uvex lists C or 3 for splash proof (goggles, eye shields and face shields), D or 4 for dust proof (goggles), G or 5 for gas tight (goggles), and M or 9 for molten metal and hot solids (face shields only).

Marking	Meaning	Applies to
C or 3	Splash proof	Goggles, eye shields, face shields
D or 4	Dust proof	Goggles
G or 5	Gas tight	Goggles
M or 9	Molten metal and hot solids	Face shields only

Impact: glasses versus visors

3M's table based on AS/NZS 1336:2014 matches impact levels to tasks. Low impact (hammering, handling wire) suits spectacles. Medium impact (grinding, machining metals, woodworking) suits spectacles, eyeshields or lightweight visor systems. High and extra high impact, such as concrete cutting or abrasive blasting, are listed for visor systems only.

Safety glasses such as the clear Armourwear Bass or the sealed, smoke-lens Bolle Rush+ are in the eye and face protection range. Check the markings on any protector against the task.

Chemical splash

Safe Work Australia's chemicals code lists chemical resistant glasses and face shields as PPE, and for caustic or acidic chemicals with a splash risk to skin or eyes it says to use eye protection and provide an emergency eyewash facility. In one case study, splashes to the face during decanting were recorded alongside the finding that goggles or a face shield were not provided.

Goggles seal around the eyes. 3M describes its Fahrenheit goggles as protecting against large dust particles and liquid droplets, and designed to be worn over prescription eyewear. The Bolle Universal goggles are indirect vented. For full-face cover, the 3M browguard and visor is a head-mounted face shield. Which one a chemical needs is set by its Safety Data Sheet, as covered on PPE for dangerous goods classes.

Eyewash

The code says plumbed eye wash stations and safety showers should be installed in areas where workers may be exposed in the event of a spill during transfer operations, and that eyewash should be readily accessible where corrosives are handled. A portable eyewash bottle is in the eyewash and first aid range.

Care and replacement

Lenses that have been scratched, abraded, pitted or otherwise damaged should be replaced, because protection may be reduced and vision impaired. 3M says to inspect goggles for deterioration or damage before each use, clean with lens cleaner or mild soap, and not clean with solvents.

The gear we stock

Armourwear Bass Clear Safety Glasses Bolle Rush+ 2.0 XP Sealed Safety Glasses, Smoke Bolle Universal Vented Safety Goggles, Clear 3M Browguard and Clear Visor Face Shield Brady Eyewash Bottle with Eye Cup, 500 ml

Signs for the same area

Eye protection must be worn Face shield must be worn Wear goggles and rubber gloves when handling chemicals Emergency eye wash

Common questions

What is the Australian standard for safety glasses?

AS/NZS 1337.1 specifies minimum requirements for non-prescription eye and face protectors. AS/NZS 1336 gives guidance on selecting eye protection.

What does the I marking on safety glasses mean?

On AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 eyewear, 3M's lens marking table lists I as medium impact.

What does a 3 or C marking on goggles mean?

In the AS/NZS 1337.1 marking table published by uvex, C or 3 means splash proof and applies to goggles, eye shields and face shields.

Are safety glasses enough for high impact work?

3M's table based on AS/NZS 1336:2014 lists high and extra high impact tasks, such as concrete cutting and abrasive blasting, for visor systems only.

When should scratched safety glasses be replaced?

Lenses that have been scratched, abraded, pitted or otherwise damaged should be replaced, as protection may be reduced and vision impaired.

Sources

Checked against the sources above on 2026-10-21.

General information, not advice for your site. What protection a job needs comes from the Safety Data Sheet, the task and your risk assessment. The statements on this page are taken from the sources listed below and were checked on the date shown. Check the source, or ask your regulator.