Eye Protection at Work: When is a Safety Goggle Mandatory?
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Eye Protection at Work: Everything You Need to Know
Last updated: August 3, 2026
The eye is one of the most sensitive organs in the human body – and also one of the most frequently injured at work. According to DGUV statistics, two percent of all reportable workplace accidents in Germany in 2022 were eye injuries – equivalent to more than 14,000 people affected (Source: DGUV). The good news: most of these could be prevented with the right safety goggles.
Why is Eye Protection so Important?
The most common causes of eye injuries at work are:
- Foreign objects – chips, splinters, dust and grinding particles
- Chemicals – caustic agents, solvents, acids and alkalis
- Radiation – UV radiation, infrared radiation when welding
- Compressed air and spray water – when painting, cleaning or spraying
- Glare – from strong light sources or sunlight outdoors
When are Safety Goggles Legally Required?
Under the PPE Use Regulation and DGUV regulations, wearing safety goggles is mandatory for the following activities:
- Grinding, milling, drilling, sawing and hammering
- Working with caustic or cleaning agents
- Welding, flame cutting and soldering
- Painting, spraying and surface treatment
- Laboratory or dental technology work
- Working with compressed air or high-pressure cleaners
Choosing the Right Safety Goggles by Hazard
| Hazard | Goggle Type | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Chips, dust, splinters | Classic safety goggles | EN 166 |
| Chemicals, caustic agents | Full-vision goggles | EN 166 |
| UV radiation, sun | Tinted safety goggles | EN 166 + EN 172 |
| Painting, spraying | Full-vision goggles | EN 166 |
| General dust work | Classic safety goggles | EN 166 |
| Sports, outdoor | Tinted safety goggles | EN 166 + EN 172 |
Important Standards for Safety Goggles
- EN 166 – Basic standard for personal eye protection. All safety goggles for workplace use must meet this standard.
- EN 170 – Filter goggles for UV protection
- EN 172 – Sun protection filters for tinted goggles
- Optical class 1 – highest visual performance, no distortion – recommended for all precision work
What to Look for When Buying Safety Goggles
- CE marking – mandatory for all PPE in the EU
- Fit – the goggles must fit well without pressing
- Anti-fog coating – prevents fogging during physical activity
- For glasses wearers – over-goggles like the P1S1 allow wear over your own glasses
- Weight – lightweight goggles (under 30 g) are more comfortable for extended wear
- Made in Germany – guarantees tested quality and reliable certification
Care and Replacement of Safety Goggles
- Clean lenses regularly – only with a soft cloth, no abrasives
- Replace damaged or heavily scratched goggles immediately
- Do not clean the anti-fog coating with aggressive agents
- Store goggles dry and dust-free
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Protection
When are safety goggles mandatory at work?
Under the PPE Use Regulation and DGUV regulations, safety goggles are mandatory for activities such as grinding, milling, drilling, sawing and hammering, working with caustic or cleaning agents, welding, flame cutting and soldering, painting and spraying, laboratory or dental technology work, and working with compressed air or high-pressure cleaners.
What standards apply to safety goggles?
EN 166 is the basic standard for personal eye protection that all workplace safety goggles must meet. EN 170 applies to filter goggles with UV protection, and EN 172 to sun protection filters for tinted goggles. Optical class 1 is additionally recommended for precision work.
Which safety goggles suit which hazard?
For chips, dust and splinters, classic safety goggles to EN 166 are sufficient. For chemicals, caustic agents, painting and spraying, full-vision goggles to EN 166 are needed. For UV radiation and sun, tinted safety goggles to EN 166 combined with EN 172 are recommended.
What should I look for when buying safety goggles?
Important factors are CE marking, a good fit without pressure points, an anti-fog coating, a light weight under 30 grams for extended wear, and for glasses wearers, suitable over-goggles. Made-in-Germany products additionally offer tested quality.
Conclusion
Eye protection at work is not optional – it is mandatory and an investment in your own health. High-quality, CE-certified safety goggles protect against permanent eye damage that can make it impossible to continue working.
Our safety goggles from Kela Schutzartikel – from the classic P1S1 to the SKY to the ACT full-vision goggles – are all CE-certified, manufactured in Germany and designed for professional use.
