Respiratory Protection for Eyewear Users

Compatibility of Corrective Eyewear with Respiratory Protection

Full face respirators and SCBA can be worn by individuals with glasses or contacts, but proper fit testing is essential to ensure an effective face seal 1
For employees wearing glasses, special spectacle kits designed for use with full face respirators should be used instead of conventional glasses, as regular frames can break the face seal 1, 2
Contact lens wearers can generally use full face respirators without special accommodation, provided they pass proper fit testing 3, 4

Different levels of respiratory protection have varying requirements, with Level B protection (including SCBA) requiring formal fit testing and significant training requirements, and Level C protection (including full face masks with air-purifying respirators) requiring proper fit testing but offering increased mobility and decreased physical stress 5

Special spectacle inserts that attach inside the full face respirator are available from manufacturers and are designed to not interfere with the face seal 1, 2
Contact lenses are generally compatible with full face respirators and SCBA, but the wearer must still pass appropriate fit testing to ensure proper protection 3, 4

Employees must be trained in the proper use, limitations, and maintenance of their respiratory protection equipment 3

Allowing regular eyeglasses to be worn with full face respirators can break the seal and compromise protection 1, 2
Failing to consider physical limitations and physiological effects of respiratory protection equipment can lead to inadequate protection 6