I've been reviewing the Personal Protective Equipment (European Community EC Directive) Regulations 1992 as I have a debate between engineers on which type of goggles should be worn. Type 1 have a VLT of 35% and give protection against all hazards. These are issued to operators and engineers after undergoing training. Type 2 have a VLT of 59%, but do not give protection against all the hazards, (however a combination of engineering controls and SSOW prevent exposure to hazards that the goggles do not protect). They are only issued to engineers who have undergone advanced training which covers the hazards and controls required. There are a small number of tasks carried out by engineers, (not operators), that only Type 2 goggles can be used for, as the filters in the Type 1 do not allow them to see the light source that they are adjusting. These tasks are carried out with the engineering and SSOW controls in place. All other tasks would be carried out wearing the Type 1 goggles that give full protection. One engineer is now claiming that the Type 1 goggles are dangerous based on their VLT of 35% and that operators and engineers should only use the Type 2 with a VLT of 59%. The individual has stated that the Type 1 are too dark and that wearing them could result in accidents as a result of not being able to see properly. This is the first time this has been raised, tasks have all been RA'ed and regularly reviewed and lighting surveys carried out, with the working areas more than exceeding the levels in HSG 38. The goggles are only required for short durations, with them only being worn for a few minutes at any one time. Other operators and engineers say that they have no problems using the Type 1 goggles with 35% VLT, but this one engineer is claiming that they are dangerous and must not be used. The debate will hinge on is a VLT of 35% creating an additional hazard. I have previously come across information that stated if the VLT was 20% or lower, additional illumination is required as at these low VLT levels you can expect the eyes to start adapting to so-called night vision, resulting in the colour vision being restricted. However, I cant remember where this was. Can anyone point me in the right direction ? And before anyone suggests it, there are no alternative goggles with a higher VLT that protect against all of the hazards, as we've already exhausted that route. Plus I've checked the occ health records and the engineer concerned had their last eye test 2 months ago and no issues found.

#Appologies for missing it out. Servicing of industrial laser systems, (Class 4), with the goggles required for optical table alignment and component adjustment.