29 Jan 01/29/2019
Lightweight Safety Glasses To Consider Wearing
OSHA requires that workers wear eye and face protection when exposed to or at risk of exposure to flying objects, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.If you read our blog post, Top Oil and Gas Hazards That Require PPE, you know that impaired vision is a concern across the board, no matter where you’re working or what you’re doing, outdoors or indoors. Flying dust and debris, swinging or falling objects, liquid chemical splashes and splatters, electrical sparks, fire, and compressed air are just a few of the hazards workers may routinely encounter in industrial environments.
All eye protection must meet the primary requirement to be ANSI Z87 Certified. From there, users will often seek additional features that help protect them in specific environments, such as chemical concerns or dust flying. If those needs are met, the next step is to find a style you like from an appearance standpoint or because of a specific feature. This article will explore the lightweight features users seek.
Series Ranked by Gram Weight
At MCR Safety, we have a designated Product Testing Center to examine product performance, quality levels, and much more. Regarding lightweight styles, we weighed our lightest styles to uncover the gram weight of each one.
Below is a table ranking each one from the lightest to heaviest weight within the styles considered the most lightweight:
| Lightweight Rank | Series | Gram Weight |
| #1 | LW2 | 21.3 Grams |
| #2 | CL3 | 22.9 Grams |
| #3 | BL1 | 22.9 Grams |
| #4 | CL1 | 22.9 Grams |
| #5 | LW3 | 23.2 grams |
| #6 | CK1 | 23.8 Grams |
| #7 | CL4 | 23.8 Grams |
| #8 | BD1 | 24.5 grams |
| #9 | CK2 | 24.5 grams |
| #10 | IA1 | 24.8 grams |
| #11 | BK1 | 25 grams |
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Our BearKat®️ safety glasses are one of the most requested safety glasses on the planet. Users rely on them to stay protected from countless hazards, ranging from flying particles to sparks. One user recently commented on the BK110AF - "I only need them to protect my eyes and not fog up. These glasses fit the bill - very affordable, comfortable, lightweight, and don't fog." That about sums up why users love BearKat®️ Safety Glasses. And this style is lightweight!
Flexible and Lightweight
The IA1 Inertia safety glasses contain no metal pieces, making the style one of the lightest weight and most comfortable styles we make. Also, its flexibility allows the IA1 series to fit various face sizes. MCR Safety, We Protect People!
Our Best Option
Our LW2 series is the lightest weight safety glass, weighing only 21.3 grams. These safety glasses have been a hit with users for years. It's stylish, budget-friendly, and loaded with some cool features. What are people saying about it? One user told us, "The safety glasses exceeded my expectations. They were well constructed and a great value." So, not only are they lightweight, but they are loaded with features users truly embrace. Check out the LW2 below.
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Checklite® CL4 Ultra Lightweight
The Checklite® CL4 Safety Glasses are affordable, offer a premium design, and come with various lens options. These glasses are also comfortable, cost-effective, functional, and, most importantly, protect your eyes.
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Here are the top 5 reasons to choose Checklite® CL4 eyewear:
1) Stylish Design
2) Earplug-Retaining Technology
The above image is another example of the CL4 being used with earplugs as a lanyard.
3) Cost-Effective Price
We know companies often seek the lowest-cost option regarding protective eyewear. The challenge has always been accommodating sought-after requests while manufacturing protective eyewear that employees wear.
If an employee does not like the look of a style, they are likely to take the glasses off. That’s a risk, as injuries occur that way. Read up on our Workmens' Comp blog, and you’ll know why this is a financial risk.
Our CL4 glasses protect workers’ eyes, are comfortable to wear all day long, and look great; they also have an affordable price point. Essentially, users get more for less when purchasing the CL4!
Understandably, employers are looking for cost-effective, safe eyewear for their employees, but they shouldn’t be lured in by cost alone. Some manufacturers’ cost-cutting methods risk worker safety. All of MCR Safety’s protective eyewear must meet or exceed the American National Standards Institute’s standard (ANSI Z87.1-2015) that distinguishes between two impact levels: Basic Impact (indicated by Z87 marking) or High Impact (indicated by Z87+ marking).
Other manufacturers’ cost-cutting methods may lead to glasses that are uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Remember that we mentioned the CL4’s bayonet temples and lightweight frame? These glasses are more comfortable to wear than those with thicker temples that begin to pressure the wearer’s head.
4) Lens Variety
There are eight varieties of CL4 lenses:
CL410 – Clear
CL410AF – Clear AF
CL412 – Gray
CL413 – Light Blue
CL414 – Amber
CL417 – Silver Mirror
CL419 – Clear Indoor/Outdoor Mirror lens
Many of our eyewear styles offer different lens options. The Checklite® CL4 offers a wide variety.
VLT Transmissions
The color dictates the lenses’ Visible Light Transmission (VLT), or how much visible light is passing through a particular lens. ANSI provides guidelines for clear and filter (non-prescription) lenses in its Z87.1-2015 edition. For instance, the VLT of a clear lens must be between 85% and 100%. Below is an overview of the VLT transmissions for the Checklite® CL4 glasses, in descending VLT level:
Clear – 90% of light is transmitted.
The coating on the lens blocks the remainder of the light. A clear lens provides excellent optics for general applications. Across various industries, it is the most popular lens because it allows most light to pass through the lens while not distorting the visible color spectrum. It also absorbs 99.9% of UV radiation.
Amber – 80% of light is transmitted.
Light Blue - 68% of light is transmitted.
This lens reduces glare from artificial light such as halogen and fluorescent. A light blue is an option for those wanting outdoor lenses because they effectively block out some light but not enough light to where you can’t work.
Clear Indoor/Outdoor Mirror - 36% of light is transmitted
Our clear lenses with a silver mirror coating on the outside suit those moving inside and outside environments, like forklift operators. These non-transitional lenses allow more visible light through. The I/O reduces glare from artificial light sources such as halogen or fluorescent while protecting eyes from sunlight.
Gray - 13% of light is transmitted
Silver Mirror - 9%-13% of light is transmitted
These offer a gray lens with a mirrored coating on the outside. The “mirror” coating reflects light, reducing the amount of light that passes through the lens. Silver mirror lenses are commonly used in construction or other outdoor occupations where sunlight and glare can cause eyestrain and fatigue.
5) Additional Benefits
Usually, visitors need only the bare minimum in terms of features and only require their eyes to be protected for a short time. Someone visiting a facility does not need scratch-protection since they will throw them away once the visit ends. Our CL400 glasses are just the ticket; you will find an even lower cost with this style.
Checklite® Series
The Checklite® CL4 Series is an extension to MCR Safety's popular selling Checklite® CL1, CL2, and CL3 series safety glasses. We offer multiple lenses, small framed glasses, and lined glasses!
Checklite®️ safety glasses are worn by millions of workers every year? These styles are light, sleek, flexible, and competitively priced. Plus, they look great!
Eyewear Buying Guide
Other helpful MCR Safety online resources:
- Entire online eyewear and safety glass catalog
- Eyewear protection page
- OSHA Approved Glasses article
- ANSI Z87.1 article
Keeping Your Eyes Safe
Click the image below to leave us comments, questions, or concerns.
For over 45 years, MCR Safety has proven to be a world leader in gloves, glasses, and garments. Whether it's wearing your favorite safety glass, carrying heavy materials, or working at a construction site, we are there providing solutions to workplace hazards. It's all part of our commitment to protect people.
No matter your industry, we have the personal protective equipment you need.
Click the above image to be taken directly to our PPE online catalog.
Learn more about MCR Safety by checking out our most recent video. For more information, browse our website, request a catalog, find a distributor, or give us a call at 800-955-6887.
Safety Professional Handbook
Get industry knowledge on finding the right PPE for your job and understanding safety standards like OSHA. Stay Safe!
Eyewear Buying Guide
Each year, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur. Protect yourself by finding the right eye protection for the job.
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