On any Aussie worksite, in a busy workshop, or even in the shed for a bit of serious DIY, we know that safety is king. We chuck on the steel-cap boots and the high-vis vest without a second thought. But what about your eyes, especially if you wear glasses every day?

You might be tempted to think, "She'll be right, my regular specs will do." But the hard truth is, they won't. For any job where there's a risk of flying debris, dust, or impact, you absolutely need a proper pair of prescription safety glasses.

What Are Prescription Safety Glasses, Exactly?

Prescription safety glasses are specially constructed glasses that have your personal optical prescription—the one you get from your optometrist—built directly into certified, impact-resistant safety lenses. These lenses are then fitted into a durable, rated safety frame.

They are not just regular glasses with a "safety" label. They are a purpose-built piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to save your eyesight.

Why Your Everyday Specs Just Don't Cut It

This is the most important thing to get your head around. Your day-to-day glasses are a disaster waiting to happen on a worksite. Here's why:

• They're Not Impact-Resistant: Normal lenses are not tested to withstand impact. If they get hit by a flying nail, a bit of stone, or a piece of metal, they can shatter. This can send sharp fragments of glass or plastic directly into your eye, making the injury far worse.
• They Lack Side Protection: Your regular frames offer zero protection from the side, which is where a lot of dust and debris comes from.
• The Frames are Weaker: A standard fashion frame will simply break apart on impact.

The Aussie Standard: What to Look For (AS/NZS 1337.6)

In Australia, for any eye protection to be considered legitimate safety gear, it must be certified to strict Australian Standards. You can't just trust a label from a random online store.

For prescription eyewear, the standard you need to know is AS/NZS 1337.6.

When you buy a pair of glasses certified to this standard, you know you're getting:

• High-Impact Resistance: Both the lenses (usually made from tough polycarbonate) and the frame are tested to withstand high-velocity impacts.
• Guaranteed Side Protection: The frames are designed with built-in side shields or a wraparound shape to protect you from all angles.
• Certified Optical Clarity: You get a crystal-clear view without distortion, combined with your personal prescription.

Who Needs 'em?

If you wear glasses and you're doing any of these jobs, you need a pair:

• Tradies: Builders, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians.
• Mechanics and Fabricators.
• Landscapers and Gardeners using whipper snippers or chainsaws.
• Serious DIY Renovators and anyone working in their shed with power tools.

Total Worksite Safety: More Than Just Glasses

Looking after yourself on the job starts with the right PPE, and a good pair of prescription safety glasses is a non-negotiable part of that.

But a truly safe worksite isn't just about what you wear; it's also about the quality and safety of the materials you're installing. This is especially true in the electrical trade, where unseen hazards can be the most dangerous. This commitment to safety is why professional installers and licensed electricians choose to source their components from trusted, trade-quality suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of the high-quality, compliant electrical components that form the backbone of a safe electrical system. From the safety switches and circuit breakers that protect against faults to the durable, correctly rated wiring and outlets, they provide the gear that ensures a job is not just done right, but done safely. For a total commitment to safety—from your personal gear to your installed components—professionals rely on quality suppliers like Schnap Electric.