Author: kennethMoreira

Protect Your Work Environment with an Optimal Laser Barrier System

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP LASER BARRIERS
SHOP LASER BARRIERS
SHOP LASER BARRIERS

Laser barrier systems come in various sizes, from compact options that are only slightly larger than a door to enclosures that occupy many square feet of space. The choice of which laser barrier system to install will depend on the specific requirements of your laser system. Fortunately, most companies that manufacture laser barriers, curtains, and barrier systems offer both standard sizes and custom options that can be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Whether you are a Laser Safety Officer looking to improve laser safety in your workplace or an individual in need of a laser barrier system, this article is designed to provide valuable insights into selecting the right laser barrier for your needs.

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A LASER BARRIER SYSTEM

Choosing the right laser barrier system is crucial to ensure the safe operation of your laser. Factors such as laser power, beam size, and wavelength need to be considered when selecting the appropriate laser barrier. Additionally, the physical location of the laser system, the presence of other equipment or obstacles, and the layout of the workspace will also need to be taken into account.

By working with a reputable company that provides laser safety equipment, such as Phillips Safety, and carefully considering these factors, you can identify and install the optimal laser barrier system for your unique needs, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your laser system.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LASER BARRIER SYSTEM: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

It is relevant to know that laser barrier systems come in various sizes and configurations. They can range from a basic free-standing rectangle to a comprehensive enclosure that covers the entire height of a room.

In situations where laser operations are restricted to trained personnel and the area to be protected is limited to a few technicians, a free-standing laser barrier is likely the most suitable option. These rectangular or square barriers are designed for use during laser procedures, providing a protective shield for technicians standing behind them.

In case you are preparing a room for a laser system and intend to install a track and a laser curtain on your own, there are some choices available to you in the market. One option is to create and obtain your track separately and buy a customized curtain that fits your track. Alternatively, you can opt to order both the track and the curtain together, which will be delivered to you ready for installation.

In order to create full enclosures, laser curtain systems need to be accompanied by valances. The valances are necessary to prevent stray beams or scattered radiation from penetrating areas where personnel lacking proper laser safety training may be present.

In circumstances where laser use is not frequent, free-standing laser enclosures can prove to be useful. These enclosures enable you to use a designated room for laser procedures by setting up the enclosure when required, and disassembling the laser system and barrier system for storage when not in use. This feature makes it possible to repurpose the room for other activities when the laser is not in operation.

Laser barrier systems and laser curtain systems can come equipped with unique safety features built directly into the system. For example, some laser barriers incorporate a sleeve within the fabric that houses the power supply for the laser. The sleeve is built into the barrier and connects at the entrance to the enclosure, where the curtain overlaps and can be moved through. In the event that someone attempts to enter the enclosure while the laser is in use, they will unplug the power supply, deactivating the laser before any exposure can occur.

Having such features integrated into the laser barrier system or laser curtain system can provide an added layer of safety and protection for personnel. These types of safety measures can minimize the risk of accidents occurring and help to ensure a safe working environment for those operating and working in close proximity to lasers.

Laser warning signs can be included with laser curtains and barriers as well. When placing an order for a laser barrier, laser curtain, or laser barrier system, browse through our laser warning signs collection. This will ensure that the proper safety measures are in place and that all personnel are informed and aware of the potential hazards associated with operating a laser system.

If you still aren’t sure which laser barriers are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP LASER BARRIERS

Laser Safety Windows: A Workplace Essential

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP LASER SAFETY WINDOWS
SHOP LASER SAFETY WINDOWS

Laser safety windows are an important part of a laser safety system and can be used in a variety of applications. These windows are designed to protect people and equipment from the harmful effects of laser radiation. They are made from special materials that are transparent to visible light but absorb or reflect laser radiation. 

Laser safety windows are commonly made of glass or acrylic and are available in standard sizes for use as viewing windows, or customized to fit specific applications, like optical table enclosures.

What is the importance of Laser Safety Windows?

Laser radiation can be hazardous to human health and safety. Depending on the wavelength, power, and exposure time, laser radiation can cause eye damage, skin burns, and other injuries. Therefore, laser safety windows are necessary to protect people and equipment from direct and reflected laser radiation.

In summary, laser safety windows are used to prevent laser radiation from escaping the laser enclosure, protect operators from accidental laser exposure, and allow visual inspection of the laser process.

Types of Laser Safety Windows

Choosing the right laser safety window depends on several factors, including the laser’s power, wavelength, exposure time, and the type of laser application. It’s important to consider your specific application because each material, such as acrylic and glass windows and sheets, has its own strengths and weaknesses. 

Considering that, here’s a brief overview of the common uses, strengths, and weaknesses of acrylic and glass windows and sheets:

  • Acrylic laser windows are typically used when larger sizes and shapes are needed.
  • Acrylic offers good scratch resistance and superior optical clarity.
  • Acrylic is easily cut to special shapes and sizes, even particularly large ones.
  • When custom coverage ranges are needed and cannot be accomplished through a combination of glass filters, acrylic is typically the material used to develop the new filter.
  • Glass laser windows are typically used when higher optical densities (OD) and visual light transmission (VLT) are needed.
  • Glass has the best scratch resistance compared to acrylic as well as excellent optical clarity.
  • Glass laser windows are easier to customize with regard to thickness, and glass filters can often be combined, unlike acrylic.
  • Glass is not typically available in large sizes.

In addition to acrylic and glass window sheets, Phillips Safety also provides a great assortment of high-quality laser window films to our customers. As laser protective removable window films, they can be used in laboratories, production facilities, and operating rooms to protect workers from the glare of lasers.

When choosing a laser window film, it is important to look at its Optical Density (OD). At Phillips Safety this information is available both in the description of each product as well as in the wavelength information tab of the product’s page. There you can visualize the full information on the optical density and wavelength of the filter.

Our laser protective removable window films are available in three different laser filters: Argon and KTP; UV,Nd:YAG and Diode; andUV,Nd:YAD and Holmium. In addition, they can be manufactured in custom dimensions.

Your safety is the primary concern when installing a laser or updating a laser enclosure, so we hope this article helps you make safer, more informed decisions to keep you protected around your laser. 

If you still aren’t sure which laser safety windows are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP LASER SAFETY WINDOWS

Top-Quality Glassworking and Lampworking Glasses: Find your perfect match

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP GLASSWORKING
SHOP GLASSWORKING

Hot glass workers use a variety of tools and techniques to create beautiful and intricate works of art. However, working with glass can also be hazardous to their health, as exposure to certain types of light can cause eye damage and other health issues. In this article, we’ll explore the types of light that glass workers need to protect against and the filters available to protect against these harmful waves.

Shade, Material, and Protection: Choosing the Right Lampworking Lens

Lampworking and Glassworking require precision and focus, making it essential to have the right type of lens for optimal visibility and protection. When it comes to choosing the appropriate lens type for your glassworking lampworking safety glasses, several factors need to be taken into consideration, including how dark you want the lens and what types of visible or invisible light you need to protect against for your glassworking application.

In general, the types of light that glass workers need to protect against are sodium flare, ultraviolet (UV) light, and infrared (IR) light. 

  • Sodium flare is a bright orange-yellow light that is emitted when certain types of glass are heated. This light can cause eye damage if workers are not protected. 
  • Ultraviolet light is also emitted when glass is heated, and it can cause skin damage and eye problems if workers are not properly protected. 
  • Infrared light is a type of heat radiation that can cause skin burns and eye damage if workers are exposed to it for extended periods of time.

Fortunately, there are filters available to protect against several combinations of these harmful waves. For example, many glass workers use sodium flare filters, which are designed to block out the bright orange-yellow light emitted during glassblowing. These filters can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and polycarbonate.

UV filters are also commonly used by glass workers. These filters are designed to block out the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted when glass is heated. Some filters are specifically designed for use with certain types of glass, while others are more general-purpose.

Infrared filters are less commonly used in the glassblowing industry, but they can still be important for workers who are exposed to high levels of heat radiation. These filters are typically made from materials that are resistant to heat and can block out the harmful infrared rays that are emitted during lampworking.

Glassworking lens uses and applications:

Phillips Safety Products offers a wide range of lens options that cater to every glassblowing and lampworking application. Here are the common ways our lenses for glassblowing and lampworking safety glasses are used:

  • The Light Green lenses provide optical clarity and maximum protection against harmful UV and IR radiation in a variety of hot glass applications. Recommended for those who work with off hand glass blowing, glory hole or furnace work, this polycarbonate filter, provides a visual light transmission of 23%.
  • Phillips 202 glass is very efficient in filtering sodium flare in addition to providing ultraviolet protection to 390 nm. The Phillips 202 is becoming a preferable choice of hot glass workers. It is very comfortable for viewing under high ambient light conditions such as when working with hot glass or glowing heat sources for a duration of time. Also, although it has a relatively low luminous transmission of 38%, it is not recommended for sun protection use unless UV filtering coatings are applied.
  • Sodium Flare Polycarbonate lens is the sister lens to the Didymium Lenses. This is a lightweight lens very effective filter for sodium flare absorption in addition to providing excellent ultraviolet (UV) protection up to 390 nm. Not only is it very comfortable for viewing under high ambient light conditions, but it also allows a high Visible Light Transmission permitting you to see in any lighting situation.

This filter has a recommended use of lampworking on soft glass types, neon working, and any other industries that need a Sodium Flare filtration with our IR protection. This lens has very little IR absorption.

  • The BoroTruView 3.0 lenses are made for the true lampworking and hot glass worker artist. These high-quality polycarbonate lenses are especially formulated to offer excellent color recognition when working with colored glass. The IR filter is a color neutral, so you will be able to see the different colors of the glass and the heat being applied. In addition, these lenses provide UV and IR protection.

Lighter than conventional laminated and glass products, the BoroTruView 3.0 lenses are comfortable for all day use. Recommended for those who work with lampwork or hot glass in small pieces.

  • The BoroTruView 5.0 lenses are high-quality polycarbonate lenses, especially formulated to offer excellent color recognition when working with colored glass. Made for the lampworking and hot glass worker, the IR filter is a color neutral, so you will be able to see the different colors of the glass and the heat being applied. In addition, these lenses provide UV and IR protection.

Lighter than conventional laminated and glass products, the BoroTruView 5.0 lenses are comfortable for all day use. Recommended for those who work with lampwork or hot glass in large pieces.

  • The BoroView 3.0 lenses are a revolutionary formulation designed to meet the exact needs for those working with harder, higher temperature of borosilicate glass. These lenses are especially formulated polycarbonate, which are lighter than conventional laminated and glass products. In addition, the BoroView is a full coverage lens, bringing safety and comfort all day use, with an extra UV and IR protection. Perfect for those who work with lampwork or hot glass in small pieces.
  • The BoroView 5.0 lenses are a revolutionary formulation designed to meet the exact needs for those working with harder, higher temperature of borosilicate glass, and need an extra UV and IR protection. These lenses are especially formulated polycarbonate, which are lighter than conventional laminated and glass products. In addition, the BoroView 5 is a full coverage lens, bringing safety and comfort all day use. Perfect for those who work with lampwork or hot glass in large pieces.

In conclusion, glass workers need to protect themselves against sodium flare, ultraviolet (UV) light, and infrared (IR) light when working with glass. Fortunately, there are filters available to protect against these harmful waves. If you are a glass worker, it’s important to invest in the appropriate filters to protect your health and safety while on the job. By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the beauty and creativity of glassblowing without putting your health at risk.

If you still have questions about what’s best for your specific glassblowing or lampworking application, you can contact us or take a look at the website to see our selection. Glassworking safety glasses are essential for most glass work, especially if you plan on doing it regularly. We can also do some amount of customization with split lenses, so call us if you need a specific application addressed, and we’ll find the perfect glass working safety glasses for you. 

If you still aren’t sure which glassworking or lampworking glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our glassworking experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP GLASSWORKING AND LAMPWORKING GLASSES

Laser Safety Glasses for Laser DMX: A Small Investment for Long-Term Eye Health

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES

Laser safety glasses are vital when working with high-powered lasers that can cause burns. When it comes to laser DMX technology, such as the lasers used in light shows, it’s still crucial to prioritize eye safety and use laser safety glasses. Although these lasers may not typically cause burns, they can still pose a risk to your eyesight if proper precautions aren’t taken.

There is a common misconception that lasers used in public settings, such as laser light shows and concerts, are entirely safe because they do not appear to harm the audience. However, these lasers, also known as digital multiplex (DMX) lasers, can still cause damage to the eyes or result in eye fatigue and headaches for programmers who work with them for extended periods while preparing for a show. So, while they may be safe for viewing in public settings, proper precautions such as using laser safety glasses must still be taken to avoid potential eye damage on those who are exposed to it for long periods of time.

THE GAME-CHANGING BENEFITS OF LASER SAFETY GLASSES FOR DMX PROGRAMMING

Laser DMX programmers can benefit significantly from using laser safety glasses and goggles due to several reasons. Firstly, these glasses can help reduce eye strain after prolonged hours of laser viewing. Secondly, they provide essential protection against the damaging effects of direct beam exposure to the eyes, which can be hazardous to one’s eyesight.

Additionally, laser safety glasses can help reduce the occurrence of headaches and blurry vision that can be associated with laser programming. They can also enhance the programmer’s ability to perform detailed and up-close adjustments and operations where brightness affects visual acuity.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that laser safety glasses can add a cool factor to your appearance during the show. In conclusion, using laser safety glasses and goggles is highly recommended for laser DMX programmers, as they provide a multitude of benefits that ultimately contribute to better eye health and performance.

SEE THE BENEFITS: A VIDEO OF PHILLIPS SAFETY’S LASER GLASSES FOR DMX PROGRAMMING

A few years ago, we discovered a video on YouTube demonstrating the effectiveness of our laser safety glasses in preventing eye fatigue and damage when working long hours programming DMX lasers. It is an informative video created by John, an Australian who wanted to educate others about laser safety for DMX programming. It showcases how Phillips Safety’s glasses can help with prolonged laser viewing and how well they can attenuate a laser beam.

To safeguard your eyes while programming DMX, consider investing in a pair of Phillips Safety’s laser glasses. Vision is our primary sensory tool, and you should be able to do what you love without putting your eyes at risk of harm.

If you still aren’t sure which laser safety glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES

Everything You Need to Know About Laser Safety Goggles

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP LASER SAFETY GOGGLES
SHOP LASER SAFETY GOGGLES

Lasers have revolutionized many industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, by providing precise and efficient ways to cut, engrave, and analyze materials. However, the high intensity and concentrated energy of lasers can also be dangerous, posing risks to the eyes and skin. That’s why laser safety goggles and laser safety glasses are crucial to the safe and effective use of lasers.

What are Laser Safety Goggles?

Laser safety goggles and glasses are designed to protect the eyes from harmful laser radiation by absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths of light. Laser safety goggles are an essential piece of personal protective equipment for anyone who works with lasers or is exposed to laser radiation. They are typically made of polycarbonate, a durable plastic that can withstand impact and provide optical clarity, while laser safety goggles may have additional features like side shields and anti-fog coatings.

There are different types of laser safety goggles and glasses, each designed to protect against specific laser wavelengths and power levels. If you are not familiar with laser safety terminology, choosing the appropriate laser goggles can be confusing. At Phillips Safety, we offer a wide range of laser safety goggles for different laser types and wavelengths. This article will help you to make more informed decisions about laser protective eyewear.

Meeting Safety Standards: How ANSI Regulations Ensure Effective Laser Eye Protection

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established standards for laser safety eyewear, which include criteria for optical density, damage threshold, and testing methods. It’s important to choose laser safety goggles or glasses that meet these standards and are appropriate for the specific laser you’re working with.

Wearing laser safety goggles can prevent serious eye injuries, including corneal burns, retinal damage, and blindness. Even low-powered lasers can cause damage if the eyes are exposed for extended periods of time. In addition to protecting the eyes, laser safety goggles and glasses can also improve the quality of work by reducing glare and improving contrast.

In some industries, laser safety goggles and glasses are required by law. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide laser safety goggles or glasses to workers who are at risk of eye injury from lasers. In the medical field, laser safety goggles are used during surgical procedures to protect the eyes of patients and medical personnel.

It’s important to note that laser safety goggles and glasses are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other safety measures, such as proper training and adherence to laser safety protocols. Laser safety goggles and glasses should also be regularly inspected for damage or wear and replaced as necessary.

How Laser Safety Goggles Work

WAVELENGTH: Laser safety goggles are designed with lenses that offer protection from specific wavelengths of light. These lenses are labeled with the range of wavelengths they protect against, usually noted in ranges like 200-300nm, along with a specific optical density, such as 5+ OD. The wavelength of light is measured in nanometers (nm), and each laser operates at a specific wavelength or range of wavelengths.

OPTICAL DENSITY SPECIFICATIONS: These lenses are often referred to as laser filters because they filter light. It’s important to note that just because a laser beam is not visible, it can still cause serious damage to skin and eyes. Many laser safety filters protect against invisible laser radiation, and the optical density (OD) of a laser filter indicates how much the filter blocks light at a specific wavelength. The higher the OD, the less light gets through at that wavelength.

While some laser filters may appear darker than others, it doesn’t necessarily mean they offer better protection. Protection from lasers occurs in the visible light spectrum (approximately 400-700nm) as well as outside of the visible spectrum (200-400nm; 700-11000nm). Lenses that appear darker only block more light in the visible spectrum than those that appear clearer.

VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION: Visible light transmission (VLT) is the amount of visible light that passes through the lens and is marked as a percentage. Laser filters in laser safety goggles are typically made of either glass or a type of plastic material. Glass lenses generally have higher VLT than plastic, while plastic lenses are thinner, lighter, and easier to produce with new coverage. The choice of material may depend on various factors, including the desired level of protection and personal preference.

In conclusion, laser safety goggles are essential for the safe and effective use of lasers. They protect the eyes from harmful laser radiation and prevent serious eye injuries. By choosing the appropriate laser safety goggles or glasses and using them in conjunction with other safety measures, workers can ensure a safe and productive laser work environment.

If you need help in selecting the appropriate Laser protection glasses or goggles for your eye safety requirements, the laser safety specialists at Phillips Safety are available to assist you. 

If you still aren’t sure which laser safety goggles are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP LASER SAFETY GOGGLES

The Science Behind Dark Laser Safety Goggles and Why They Are Necessary

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES

If you work with lasers, you are probably familiar with the importance of wearing laser safety glasses. However, you may find yourself questioning why some glasses are very dark while others with coverage over more wavelengths are clear. The answer lies in the concept of visible light transmission (VLT).

Visible light transmission refers to the amount of light that can pass through the lens, with higher VLT allowing more color to pass through. The purpose of laser safety glasses is to block specific wavelengths of light while allowing the rest of the light to filter through specially designed lenses. This allows individuals to work safely without being obstructed by darkness or hazardous laser beams.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON DARK LASER SAFETY GOGGLES

Laser safety goggles are capable of covering a wide range of wavelengths of light, spanning from 100 to 15,000 nanometers. Interestingly, the visible light spectrum only occupies a small portion of this range, approximately between 400 and 700 nanometers. As a result, coverage outside of the 400-700 nm range will not impact your vision, since it blocks light that falls beyond the visible range, including ultraviolet and infrared light.

The danger of a laser doesn’t always correspond to its operating wavelength, as various lasers can function at different wavelengths. In cases where there is a laser operating at a wavelength in the visible spectrum, you require laser safety glasses that are not clear and may appear dark, as they provide necessary protection within the visible spectrum.

Furthermore, for those working with lasers in the visible spectrum and requiring high optical density coverage, darker lenses are necessary compared to those who only require lower optical density coverage (3 or below). Lower optical density lenses allow more light to pass through the lens. Therefore, if you are working with a laser that has the potential to harm your eyes, you need a higher optical density coverage which requires darker lenses.

OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE LASER SAFETY GOGGLES’ DARK LENSES

The material of the lenses can greatly impact the darkness of laser safety goggles. If you opt for a plastic material, such as polycarbonate or acrylic, chances are your lenses will be quite dark due to the nature of plastic laser lenses.

If visible light transmission is a crucial factor in your laser work, you may want to consider choosing glass laser lenses instead. Glass typically has a higher VLT than plastic, which means the lenses will be lighter in color and allow more visible light to pass through.

While some lasers require darker lenses, others operate outside of the visible light spectrum, making it simple to find lenses with higher VLT. Certain lasers, however, fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. If you require a laser safety goggle with a high VLT for such lasers, it is advisable to contact Phillips Safety to explore options for getting the highest VLT possible for your specific laser application.

In conclusion, laser safety goggles come in different shades of darkness depending on the laser type and the required level of protection. It is important to consider the visible light transmission when choosing laser safety goggles for your laser application. Whether you need high or low VLT, Phillips Safety has the best options for you, ensuring the right level of protection for your eyes.

If you still aren’t sure which laser safety glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES

From Prescription to Purchase: How to Successfully Fill Out Prescription Forms Online

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP SAFETY GLASSES

Reading a prescription from your eye doctor can be difficult, even under the most favorable circumstances. Optical professionals’ handwriting can often be challenging to decipher, and they may simplify their instructions, expecting their trained counterparts to understand them.

When shopping for eyeglasses online, it is unlikely that you possess the expertise of an optical professional. Moreover, if you are browsing Phillips Safety you are likely seeking safety glasses that are suitable for your intended application, which may lead to concerns about correctly communicating your prescription.

Whether you are shopping for prescription safety glasses for laser work, welding, radiation, or glassworking, it is crucial to ensure that your prescription is accurate. If you are unsure about the information listed on your prescription or how to enter it into our online forms, the following information may be helpful.

A GUIDE TO FILLING OUT PRESCRIPTION FORMS ONLINE

The prescription designates your right and left eyes as OD (right eye) and OS (left eye), respectively. If you are uncertain about the proper designation, remember that the OD (right eye) always appears first. In addition, each prescription contains three correction categories for each eye, including Sphere (SPH), Cylinder (CYL), and Axis. It is possible that your prescription may include all or some of these categories.

The Sphere category corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness and is indicated by a positive or negative value in increments of 0.25. Your prescription for each eye may contain, for example, values such as +1.25, 0.75, -2.00, or +3.50.

Cylinder and Axis are interdependent categories, meaning that you can’t have one without the other, although it is possible to have both for one eye and none for the other. Cylinder is expressed in the same manner as Sphere, with positive or negative values in increments of 0.25. On the other hand, Axis denotes the angle at which the cylinder is rotated, and it is measured in degrees from 0 to 180. While Sphere values remain constant irrespective of the lens’s orientation, Cylinder values differ with rotation, necessitating the prescription to specify the direction of rotation through the Axis category.

When reading your prescription, it is important to note that both sphere and cylinder measurements always have two numbers after the decimal place. Occasionally, eye doctors may forget to include the decimal point. In this case, it is safe to assume that the prescription has two numbers after the whole number. For instance, if your prescription is written as -250, it actually means -2.50. Similarly, if your prescription is written as -25, it means -0.25, and if it is written as +100, it means +1.00. Plus, if your doctor has written “SPH” in the cylinder section, it indicates that there is no cylinder correction required.

If you are getting a bifocal, the strength for a bifocal on a prescription is typically indicated below the Sphere, Cylinder, and Axis section. You may see it labeled as “ADD”, “BIFOCAL”, or “NEAR”, or it may not be labeled at all. Note that it is usually the same strength for both eyes, so some doctors only write it once instead of twice for each eye. Additionally, the strength is always positive.

PUPIL DISTANCE AND SEGMENT HEIGHT IN PRESCRIPTIONS

The distance between the centers of your pupils is called pupil distance, which is measured in millimeters. Sometimes, it may not be included in the prescription, requiring you to measure it yourself. If it is written on the prescription, it is often abbreviated as PD.

The segment height is the measurement from the bottom of the lens to the top of the bifocal, which can either be a line on a lined bifocal or the start of the progressive corridor on a progressive bifocal. For lined bifocals, the segment height is usually estimated. For progressives, it is measured in millimeters from the bottom of the lens to the center of your pupil and can vary for every frame.

Phillips Safety understands that purchasing prescription safety glasses can be a complex process, which is why our team of trained professionals is readily available to guide you through the ordering process and ensure that you make an informed decision. If you need further assistance in filling out your prescription on our forms, don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you still aren’t sure how to complete your prescription form online, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP SAFETY GLASSES

Putting Safety First: A Look at Phillips Safety’s Advanced Capabilities

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP AT PHILLIPS SAFETY
SHOP AT PHILLIPS SAFETY
SHOP AT PHILLIPS SAFETY

Phillips Safety specializes in safety eyewear, but we do more than just safety glasses. Dedicated to expanding our capabilities to better serve our customers, we own a state-of-the-art facility with many capabilities. It includes two optical labs, a full machine shop, a glass-fining area, a glassblowing stopper machine, and a plano eyewear assembly line, among others.

We are constantly pushing ourselves to provide the highest level of quality and service possible. With a team of over 40 skilled professionals, at Phillips Safety you may find someone moving tons of glass lens blanks while someone else is polishing prescriptions for laser safety glasses. At the same time, in one part of our building someone may be engraving a doctor’s name onto a pair of radiation safety glasses, while in another area our sales reps are explaining which glasses are best for observing a concrete furnace.

Our team at Phillips Safety goes above and beyond to meet the unique needs of our customers. We’re always expanding our product line to offer not only new eyewear but also safety equipment and accessories to better serve the markets we cater to.

BEHIND THE SCENES: PHILLIPS SAFETY’S CUTTING-EDGE EQUIPMENT

At Phillips Safety, we have full glass and plastic optical labs on-site, enabling us to produce prescription safety glasses. Our in-house capabilities allow us to customize safety glasses for various applications, including laser, radiation, glassworking, welding, and industrial safety.

Our facility can produce hundreds of these glasses every day to fulfill blanket orders that require thousands of safety glasses to be produced regularly. We have a team of staff specifically dedicated to the production of plano safety glasses to ensure timely delivery to our customers.

Moreover, our full machine shop at Phillips Safety has allowed us to expand our safety line beyond eyewear and into areas like radiation safety barriers. With our advanced machine shop, we are able to produce custom solutions for niche safety requirements, since our engineers are always looking for ways to fill gaps in the market and satisfy the needs of our customers.

We also take pride in our glass fining area. As a manufacturer of safety eyewear, we use tons of glass lenses for various purposes such as laser safety, radiation safety, glassworking safety, and welding safety. To ensure quality and consistency, we purchase entire glass melts from the glass melter. We then transform raw lens blanks into finished plano lenses and semi-finished prescription-ready lenses in our glass fining area.

Another area at Phillips Safety is that of sheet glass production, where we have the necessary tools and expertise to polish and cut sheet glass for a variety of applications, from windows to lenses and even special shapes. Whether you need a custom size, shape, or finish, we can provide you with the sheet glass solution that meets your requirements.

Our facility is also equipped with a unique glassworking stopper machine, which allows us to create neoprene or silicone stoppers for glass blowing. This machine has the capability of cutting stoppers out of a single block, ensuring that all the pieces fit together perfectly.

Furthermore, we possess a remarkable laser engraver that is capable of etching logos, names, and laser wavelength specifications onto both frames and lenses. This versatile machine is also capable of cutting when the need arises, making it an essential tool in our production process.

Last but not least, we have two pad printing machines that are used for printing logos and wavelength specifications on both frames and lenses.

PERSONALIZED SAFETY: PHILLIPS SAFETY’S CUSTOMIZATION CAPABILITIES

If you have a specific safety product in mind that you need, feel free to ask us. We pride ourselves on being able to expand our product lines and capabilities to meet the needs of various industries and specific applications. While we can’t do everything, we’re always excited to explore new possibilities and find ways to provide customized solutions for our customers.

Phillips Safety’s goal is to produce as much as we can in-house, allowing us greater control over the quality and customization of our products. We take great pride in the growth our company has achieved since its inception and are committed to continuing this trend in the future.

If you have any inquiries regarding our capabilities or have suggestions for new product ideas, get in touch with our customer support team. We appreciate your interest and value your feedback.

If you have inquiries about our capabilities, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our experts will be able to assist you with what you need for your application.

SHOP AT PHILLIPS SAFETY

What You Can’t See Can Hurt You: Why Laser Glasses Are Crucial for Eye Safety

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES
SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES

It may seem counterintuitive, but laser light can harm your eyesight even if it is invisible. This can be a confusing concept to grasp, as many people assume that if they can’t see it, it can’t hurt them. However, the truth is that invisible laser radiation can be even more hazardous than visible radiation because it can cause damage without being noticed.

Eyes are specialized and sensitive sensory organs that are unable to recover from certain types of injuries. Among these permanent injuries is retinal burning, which can be caused by exposure to harmful light radiation. This is particularly concerning since the cornea of your eye directs incoming light to the retina, making it especially vulnerable to damage.

UNDERSTANDING THE DANGERS OF INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION TO YOUR EYESIGHT

The human eye’s rods and cones are responsible for detecting and transmitting signals from light within the visible spectrum, which spans wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers. While lasers can operate within or outside of this range, the danger they pose to your eyesight has more to do with their power than their operating wavelength.

Laser radiation poses a threat to your retina not because of the colors it creates but rather due to the power of the beam. A high-powered laser beam can generate intense heat in a fraction of a second. If the beam, or even a reflection of it, enters your eye through the cornea, it can burn your retina so quickly that you may not feel any pain right away.

The retina is a complex structure filled with neurons that light must pass through to reach your rods and cones. These neurons, commonly referred to as nerve cells, transmit visual information to your brain, allowing you to see. Burning these neurons, whether from direct or reflected laser radiation, can cause permanent damage because medicine currently lacks effective methods to repair them.

The cornea acts like a magnifying glass, focusing light onto the retina. A laser beam that can burn your skin will cause even more damage to your retina after passing through your cornea, and it can also cause a burn to your cornea itself.

Furthermore, scattered radiation from some powerful lasers can also be harmful to your eyes, even if the direct beam is not hitting your eyes. This scattered radiation is similar to the light that fills a dark room when you shine a flashlight on one of the walls, and it can still cause damage or destruction to your eyes. Although the scattered radiation contains only a small percentage of the power of the laser beam, it can be enough to cause serious harm.

PROTECT YOUR VISION IN ANY LASER ENVIRONMENT

In the context of laser radiation and physics, the way we perceive “light” based on our personal experiences with vision can be quite different. Here, light can refer to any radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum that can be emitted in a focused beam capable of generating heat. While this definition still does not fully encompass the complexity of laser radiation, it can be helpful to consider lasers in this way when it comes to choosing the appropriate personal protective equipment to guard against their potentially harmful beams.

Ensuring laser safety is crucial when working with lasers, as even a small mistake can result in permanent blindness. It is important to understand the risks and to always wear proper personal protective equipment, such as laser safety glasses. Removing them, even in the presence of an invisible beam, can have dire consequences.

To provide utmost protection to your eyes from the harmful effects of laser radiation, check out Phillips Safety collection of laser safety glasses. These glasses are made with high-quality materials and feature lenses that are specifically designed to block out specific wavelengths of laser light. Phillips Safety’s laser safety glasses are available in a range of styles and designs to meet the needs of various industries and applications.

If you still aren’t sure which laser safety glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP LASER SAFETY GLASSES

The Importance of Choosing the Right Lens for Your Glassworking or Quartz Working Needs

Posted on by kennethMoreira
SHOP GLASSWORKING GLASSES
SHOP GLASSWORKING GLASSES
SHOP GLASSWORKING GLASSES

Glassblowers who work with quartz require different eyewear than those who work with pyrex or art glass. The reason for this is that quartz has a higher melting temperature than art glass, and does not emit yellow sodium flare. Unlike most other scientific glass and art glass, which emit some level of sodium flare under a torch, when working with quartz, the primary concern when shopping for safety eyewear is protection from infrared radiation and the brightness of the torch.

However, there may be situations where quartz workers use other materials as part of a larger quartz piece. In such cases, they typically require eyewear with a different lens to provide the necessary protection.

EXPERT TIPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST GLASSES FOR GLASSWORKING

Phillips Safety offers a wide range of top-quality glassworking glasses, both for lampworking and for glass blowing. Our glassworking glasses are suitable for any type of hot glass application, whether for artistic or scientific purposes. All of our lenses are made of optical-quality German glass, and our plastic lenses are engineered to provide the best VLT (visible light transmission) in their class.

Our hot glass eyewear offers IR, UV, and sodium flare protection in different shades and combinations, ensuring that you get the protection you need. We offer several filter options for soft glass and borosilicate glass, as well as different types of work, such as furnace work, small glass work, and large glass work. Most filters also allow for mirror coating add-ons.

For lampworking, Phillips Safety offers dozens of eyeglasses options with the following filters: Phillips 202, Sodium Flare Poly, BoroView 3.0, BoroView 5.0, BoroTruView 3.0, and BoroTruView 5.0. For glass blowing, multiple eyeglasses are available in the Light Green filter. To learn more about the specifications of each product, you can click on their names and visit their respective pages to read about their unique features.

EXPERT TIPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST GLASSES FOR QUARTZ WORKING

When working with quartz, the high melting temperature results in the release of dangerous infrared (IR) radiation from torches, which is invisible to the human eye. In contrast, scientific glass such as borosilicate releases sodium flare along with infrared radiation. In such cases, our Sodium Flare Poly lens, commonly known as didymium or rose glass, is the most suitable lens choice.

Since many quartz pieces involve other types of glass, our quartz working glasses are designed with split lenses that feature a lighter lens on top and a darker green lens on the bottom. This design ensures maximum protection against both infrared and sodium flare.

Regarding the top part, which accounts for ⅓ of the entire lens, it is available in three options: clear glass, sodium flare poly, or green welding. The sodium flare poly lens provides protection against UV and sodium flare, appearing as a bluish-purple tint. It has a moderate shading level, with a visible light transmission of 23.5%, and provides little protection against IR. The ⅔ of the bottom, on the other hand, are available in green welding lens, in either shade 6.0 or 8.0.

Besides the quartz working glasses with split lenses, Phillips Safety also offers a variety of options with shaded IR lenses. IR shade lenses are specifically designed to protect against infrared radiation, which is emitted by high-temperature sources such as welding torches or furnaces. At Phillips Safety, these glasses come with lenses in a variety of shades, ranging from 4.0 to 8.0. They offer excellent protection against eye damage and can help prevent conditions caused by prolonged exposure to infrared radiation.

MEETING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF GLASSWORKERS AND QUARTZ WORKERS

Selecting the right lens for your glassworking or quartz working needs is crucial for maintaining eye safety and achieving optimal visibility. It is essential to consider factors such as the type of material being worked with, the temperature involved, and the level of protection needed against UV, IR, and sodium flare.

Phillips Safety offers a wide range of lenses, including split lenses and various filters, to cater to the specific requirements of different glassworkers and quartz workers. Choosing the right lens may take some trial and error, but the effort is well worth it to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

If you still aren’t sure which glassworking or quartz working glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

SHOP GLASSWORKING GLASSES

CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • +1 866 575 1307 | FAX 732 356 7127

M-F | 9am – 6pm EST

PRODUCTS
COMPANY
CUSTOMER SUPPORT

STAY INFORMED. SIGN UP FOR THE Phillips Safety NEWSLETTER

Become a Distributor