Face Safety

[DebSweet]

I am wondering what folks use for eye and face protection while sewing.  Plain old everyday glasses, safety glasses, face goggles, or something else?  

While working with my 31-15 (I'm still finding filthy places on her!!) I've been wearing goggles, but I am hoping for the day where I can switch off to something more comfortable, and I am looking for recommendations from the 'been there; done that' crowd in order to shorten my learning curve.

Thank you!

 

 

[480volt]

While I do happen to wear prescription glasses, I’m not sure why you need face protection while machine sewing? I’m more worried about sewing through my fingers.

[DebSweet]

Heaven forbid I break a needle.

[fredk]

1 hour ago, 480volt said:

While I do happen to wear prescription glasses, I’m not sure why you need face protection while machine sewing? I’m more worried about sewing through my fingers.

wot he says.  ~ I've had the occasional needle break but it just snapped and kept stuck in the material. If your machine is set up properly then there is a very slim risk of needles breaking

Every little while I pass a sewing repair shop in Belfast. None of the dozen or so workers in there wear protective glasses, only a couple wear what look like ordinary reading/closeup spectacles for the close nature of their work. And Belfast Health & Safety inspectors are extremely efficient in ensuring rules are obeyed in commercial premises

[chrisash]

The part that normally breaks off is most often still held by the thread through the needle, also the stories i think are from the machinist doing their sewing at 3-5000spm rather than the slow speeds most leather workers use

[480volt]

I work in construction. Since all insurance companies, and therefore all contractors are all lawyered up regarding reportable injuries, and with OSHA dictating minimum standards for personal protective equipment (PPE), anyone walks on a job site must wear ANSI Z87.1 rated eye protection. For you, this would take the form of clear plastic safety glasses with side shields, available at any tool store or big box home improvement store, dirt cheap and commonly available. This only protects your eyes- the expensive part.

[Matt S]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone wearing safety glasses while operating a sewing machine, in any environment. Small workshops, schools, factories, never.

I have a general distrust of safety gear used without a specific and well considered use-case. I find that it tends to get in the way, fosters a false sense of security and can increase the risk of getting injured.

[480volt]

32 minutes ago, Matt S said:

I have a general distrust of safety gear used without a specific and well considered use-case. I find that it tends to get in the way, fosters a false sense of security and can increase the risk of getting injured.

There’s not a single person working in the trades that would disagree with that! How does wearing a high-visibility vest and hard hat in a finished building increase my personal safety one bit?

But the OP asked about eye protection, it’s maybe eight bucks for peace of mind, regardless whether the rest of us think it’s necessary. 

[fredk]

9 minutes ago, 480volt said:

But the OP asked about eye protection, it’s maybe eight bucks for peace of mind, regardless whether the rest of us think it’s necessary. 

This is true.

Maybe, if available to her, a pair of basic impact resistant spectacles with side shields. As easy and as comfortable to wear as ordinary spectacles. I sometimes wear such when needed. If wearing them gives her peace of mind then I'd recommend them before most other.

[kgg]

I mostly use my prescription reading glasses for threading the machines needle or when I need the extra clarity otherwise I don't wear anything. I do wear safety glasses when cutting / grinding metal or using a chainsaw where stuff is probably going to be flying everywhere but never worn or even considered wearing eye protection while sewing anything. For some eye protection may give them with a piece of mind, for me I think they would be more of hindrance and wind up in the "don't iron pants while wearing them" bin.

kgg