The current collection contains six Portwest products: Pan View Spectacles, Profile Safety Spectacles, Visitor Safety Spectacles, Bold Pro Spectacles, the Classic Safety Eye Screen and Direct Vent Goggles. The spectacle styles provide different combinations of wraparound coverage, side protection, browguards, coatings and fitting features. The goggles enclose more of the area around the eyes and use direct ventilation. Every product has its own performance markings and intended applications. Employers should compare the individual specification with their risk assessment rather than treating all six products as interchangeable or assuming that every item protects against impact, dust, splash, chemicals and radiation.

Safety glasses generally use arms that sit over the ears and may include wraparound lenses, side shields or a browguard. They can provide appropriate protection against particular impact hazards while remaining lightweight and easy to wear. Safety goggles use a headband and sit closer to the face, creating greater coverage around the eyes. However, not every goggle provides a complete seal. Direct vent goggles contain openings that allow air to circulate, while indirectly vented or sealed products are designed differently. The correct choice depends on the identified hazard, required performance, product markings and fit. A face shield may also be required where the whole face needs protection.

They should not automatically be treated as suitable for every dust or chemical hazard. The collection includes directly vented goggles, but direct openings do not provide the same barrier as indirectly vented or sealed goggles. Fine dust, liquids, chemicals, gas and vapour can require specialist eye protection selected according to the substance, concentration, task and exposure route. Safety data sheets and workplace procedures may specify the required equipment. Employers should check the complete manufacturer specification and relevant markings before purchasing. Where the risk assessment requires sealed goggles, chemical-splash protection or full-face coverage, a different product may be needed instead of the general safety spectacles and direct vent goggles shown here.

The Portwest Visitor Safety Spectacles are designed to be worn with or without most ordinary spectacles. Their wraparound construction, browguard and vented side shields make them a potential option for visitors or employees who need to keep their prescription glasses in place. However, compatibility should be checked on the individual wearer. The two frames must sit securely without pressing together, slipping, restricting peripheral vision or creating unsuitable gaps. Ordinary prescription glasses should not be treated as safety eyewear unless they have been manufactured and certified for the required hazard. Prescription safety spectacles may be more appropriate for employees who wear eye protection regularly or for extended periods.

Standard embroidery and garment-printing methods should not be used on safety spectacles, goggles or eye screens. Adding a logo to a lens, frame, headband or other component could obscure vision or safety markings, affect fit, alter the approved construction or damage the product. Although customisation labels currently appear against several products in this archive, customers should not rely on these automated messages. They should be removed from the relevant archive and product templates. Branded safety eyewear should only be supplied where the manufacturer or an authorised specialist offers an approved branding method that preserves the product’s required performance, markings and traceability.

There is no minimum order, allowing customers to purchase a single pair of safety glasses or goggles, equip a new employee or order larger quantities for a workforce, workshop, classroom or visitor station. Before ordering in volume, employers should confirm the required product specification and test the fit alongside any other PPE employees will wear. Different workers or tasks may require different designs, so one universal product may not be suitable for the whole organisation. Once received, the equipment should be inspected, stored carefully and issued with appropriate instructions. Damaged or heavily scratched products should be replaced rather than kept in service simply to avoid purchasing another item.