The health and safety of firefighters is essential in planning for and battling the bushfires that annually threaten the landscape. Fire grounds are dangerous places, and they often create a risk for firefighters’ eyes and faces. Fire goggles are therefore vital.

While there are many models of goggles, available in all price ranges, not all of them are suitable for firefighting. Here is a rundown on what to pay attention to when selecting a pair of fire goggles.

1. Choose the right lens tint in your fire goggles

Consider between clear, smoke or CSP lens. While clear lens is primarily used indoors, and smoke lens – outdoors, CSP lens technology has been developed to be used in all conditions and is suitable for both indoor/outdoor use. This is an effective solution for all activities that alternate exposure to bright and low light, and is suitable for extreme temperature environments. Combined with Platinum® coating CSP effectively combats fogging and provides permanent visual comfort.

2. Check for medium impact and high temperature resistance

It’s important that fire goggles meet AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 standard, Australian/New Zealand standard for Personal Eye Protection. Goggles also should be tested by an independent lab for extreme temperature resistance, including heat exposure of 200° for 90 seconds. Backdraft and Pilot 2 Fire models have been tested at 200ºC showing no visible signs of deformation on the lens, frame and strap.

 

3. Look for fire goggles with an anti-fog coating

Fire goggles are designed to resist high temperatures, as well as to protect against dust, gas and chemical splashes. While no or little indirect ventilation helps to protect against dust particles and gas, heat and sweat produced around the face is the main reason of fogging up of the inside of the lens

To remove the effect of condensation, it is important to choose fire goggles with double-sided anti-fog / anti-scratch coating. Platinum® coating, applied by a dipping process on both sides of the lens, offers protection which is twice as efficient and considerably slows the appearance of fog and scratches.

4. Make sure the goggles fit

Make sure the goggles fit with a helmet. And pay attention to the strap, wider bands are more comfortable and easier to adjust.

Choose between foam-padded or rubber sealed goggles. Both SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) foam padding and PP (polypropylene) rubber around the edges of the frame and lens serve to increase protection from airborne debris and is recommended for dusty or windy environments. Choosing between SBR or PP padding of the fire goggles is largely a matter of personal preference. Both designs are constructed to ensure your eyes are protected from stray particles, giving you maximum protection.

If you wear prescription glasses, make sure the goggles fit over them. Pilot 2 Fire goggles were designed just for this. For some models the prescription inserts are available.

BACKDRAFT is the new high technology firefighting goggles which is both compact and comfortable. Fully sealed, featuring Platinum coating and able to withstand the most extreme conditions (heat and abrasion), BACKDRAFT provides fantastic safety and protection.

Compact, high strength, elastomer frame • Heat resistant • Medium Impact protection • Double sided polycarbonate lens • Splash, gas and dust approved • Platinum® anti-fog/anti-scratch lens coating • Comfort foam • Certified to AS/NZS 1337.1:2010

PILOT 2 FIRE goggles have been designed for maximum comfort in extreme heat conditions and meets the challenges the fire fighters encounter through the fire season.

Pilot 2 Fire’s co-injected frame guarantees unequalled adaptability and comfort. This model fits comfortably under fire fighter helmets, with its slim and contoured shape providing near total protection from particles and preventing smoke from getting into your eyes.

Heat resistant • Medium Impact protection • Splash, gas and dust approved • Platinum anti-fog/anti-scratch lens coating • Adjustable high temperature head strap • Fits over prescription glasses • Fits comfortably under fire fighter helmets • Excellent field of vision • PP/TPR two-material frame • Certified to AS/NZS 1337.1:2010

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