Broke a pair of safety glasses today! While I was wearing them!

[civilian]

I had to wear safety glasses when out on the manufacturing floor. Also needed prescription lenses. Company paid an amount to having prescriptions eyeglasses and frames to Z87? standards. Been wearing that style for over twenty years daily. Sometimes with the side shields. Bummer was when wifes vision policy holder changed and as being retired, they would no longer pay for them. Pisses me off. I work with wood working machinery, cutting tres, running a sawmill, running mowers, I feel a lot safer with safety lenses and frames that will hopefully protect my eyes. I also like the fct the frames seem to hold up better from abuse. Jon

 

[RSKY]

Since I lost the center of vision in my right eye each spring I order 2 dozen clear for inside, 1 dozen light tint for cloudy days, and 1 dozen dark tint for sunny days. I give about half away to family and anybody I see that 'needs' a pair.

Money well spent is correct.

RSKY

 

[oosik]

Every day I can remind myself what life without eye sight would be. Just close my left eye.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I've been carrying ear plugs in my pocket about 10 years now, eye pro hard corps for about six, respirator anytime I'm grinding/welding or dusty for about four. Amazing how as you get less invincible you are more willing to use goofy looking stuff.

I do flux welding too. Many people do not realize how toxic flux fumes are. Unfortunately, I don't have a respirator that will fit under my welding helmet, so I get by with opening the shop doors and sometimes running a fan to blow fumes out. Nobody is allowed in my shop without safety glasses. I also have wrap-around shooting glasses, good for accidents and those guys next to me at the range with a lead shaving revolver.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

My Dad did a lot of welding back in the early 50's, hard surface work, until he started coughing up blood. The doc asked him what he did for a living, and he said he was a welder. The doc said "Not any more". He also had a spot on his retina...

 

[dstig1]

I do flux welding too. Many people do not realize how toxic flux fumes are. Unfortunately, I don't have a respirator that will fit under my welding helmet, so I get by with opening the shop doors and sometimes running a fan to blow fumes out. Nobody is allowed in my shop without safety glasses. I also have wrap-around shooting glasses, good for accidents and those guys next to me at the range with a lead shaving revolver.

What have you tried for respirators? There are a number of half mask models out there that fit decently under weld shields. Sometimes you need to adjust the weld shield away from your face a little to help it go down all the way, but that is a small price to pay for not breathing that stuff. Or if you want to go hog wild, get a PAPR system with a full welding helmet, but they can run a good $1-2k, all in.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Thanks for the suggestions. I normally just don't breathe the fumes. My dad built Liberty Ships early in WWII, welding in confined spaces. I think it took a toll on him later in life. He had vision problems, and his bone marrow shut down. He needed packed cell transfusions fairly often. Still, it was 60 years of Camel Straights that killed him.

 

[RSKY]

At one time welding rods had asbestos in them. I don't know if they still do. My dad died of asbestosis. That is a horrible way to die, slow and painful. I seldom weld but when I do I wear some type of paper mask. Maybe not an N95 but something.

RSKY

 

[Root Cause]

Thank you for sharing this. I worked in several machine shops in the 70's and 80's. NO one wore safety glasses. It is great to see you and others here posting why it is important to make sure others follow your lead.

 

[RSKY]

Thank you for sharing this. I worked in several machine shops in the 70's and 80's. NO one wore safety glasses. It is great to see you and others here posting why it is important to make sure others follow your lead.

Age and pain make great teachers.

RSKY