SAFETY FAQs

No. This is one of the great 'myths' in the safety eyewear industry. That is, a single, tinted lens which can be worn both indoors and outdoors and still meet the requirements of the Australian Standards for both areas. This is physically impossible under the current guidelines in AS/NZS1337:1992 and in the amendment No.2 (AS/NZS1337-07-05) Table 2.1. For a lens to meet the requirements of AS/NZS1337:1992 for 'indoor' use (or what is termed outdoor un-tinted in the Australian Standards documents) the lens must allow a minimum of 80% light transmission through (or not block any more than 20%). Currently only clear, amber and our 'Contrast' lenses are able to allow this amount of light through. No smoke or tinted lens currently available is capable of providing this level of transmission. Furthermore, to comply with the 'outdoor tinted' requirements of AS/NZS1337:1992, a tinted lens must allow no more than 50% light transmission.
Therefore there is a 30% light transmission min/max variance between the two requirements!
Footnote: All approved 'outdoor un-tinted' lenses must be marked with the letter 'O', as per the Australian Standard to be sold for this purpose.

The core philosophy at Bollé Safety is to manufacture and provide high quality, fashionable safety eyewear that meets the relevant standards and is affordable. The bulk of the range is priced between $10.00 and $30.00 per pair.

At Bollé Safety we use the highest quality polycarbonate for our lenses. These lenses all offer clear viewing with zero distortion optics and 100% U.V protection no matter what shade they are, ensuring long term wearer comfort.

All of our clear, smoke and amber lenses feature our ALS (Advanced Lens Shielding) coating system on both sides of the lens providing a high level of anti- fog and anti-scratch protection. Our ALS coated products are used in some of the harshest environments in Australia and are providing a 'serious' level of performance and protection.

Our latest lens coating innovation is the new 'Contrast' lens technology, designed specifically for indoor applications where eye fatigue and eye strain are prevalent (due to halogen/neon lighting or even computer screens). The 'Contrast' lens is designed to filter more than 30% of the blue light (significantly higher than a comparable clear lens) whilst preserving colour recognition and improving depth perception and contrast.

Yes, there are some frames in the existing range that can used for prescription purposes however it is important to note that under the current Australian Standards, any prescription eyewear is deemed 'low impact' unless it has been tested and approved as a complete unit. This includes any current safety frame (the Bollé Bandit 2 and Micro as examples) that has been 'modified' by the fitment of prescription lenses. Our 'Calibre' product does offer a prescription lens adaptor for use in this type of situation. It has been tested and approved as a complete unit to the 'medium impact' requirements of AS/NZS1337. We are also developing a completely new range of products for prescription use that will all exceed the current requirements (and meet the 'medium impact' requirements of AS/NZS1337).

We do not currently offer an 'over spec' in the Australian range.

We do not manufacture any safety products that have 'transitional' lenses. A 'transitional' lens could also be a safety risk in some workplace situations (e.g. forklift drivers) as the 'speed' of the lens transition from dark to light would be too slow for 'safe' vision to be experience quickly.

Yes. Any product that is certified to AS/NZS1337 must conform to the requirements of AS1067.1 (sunglass standard). This is clearly stated in AS/NZS1336:1997 clause 4.7 section B- 'eye protectors with tinted lenses conforming to AS/NZS1337 will provide protection against sun glare and solar radiation equivalent to that of general purpose sunglasses which conform to AS1067.1'.

Yes. Two existing goggles have been tested and approved for use in high temperature situations. The 'Blast' industrial goggle, without foam has been tested and certified for use as a firefighter's goggle. The 'Commando' tactical goggle can also be used in this application as it is manufactured from a high temperature resistant material (Kraton). It was previously available in a fluoro orange frame colour named as the 'Fireman'.

Yes. Bollé Safety in France manufactures a safety spectacle range for use with laser however as these products tend to be manufactured to specific customer requirements; they are not a 'stocked' item in Australia. The completion of a detailed 'laser' questionnaire is required prior to any products being manufactured. This is to ensure that the correct lenses are made for the application. There are some new 'laser' frames also being developed.

No. All Bollé Safety eyewear is tested and approved to the 'medium' impact (40 meters per second) requirement of AS/NZS1337. In Australia, this is the highest level of protection allowed for either spectacles or goggles. The Australian Standard states that safety spectacles or goggles cannot be used in workplaces deemed 'high' impact (velocities of 120 metres per second) thus there is no need to test to these levels. Will our spectacles perform at this level? Quite possibly however we cannot promote or sell them as being suitable at this level.

No. We feel that an 'off the shelf' bifocal safety spectacle could prove to be unsafe in some work place situations.

Simple. We do not sell or promote lens cleaning solutions! Warm soapy water will prove a suitable cleaning medium in most situations however any 'water' based cleaning solution will also be suitable. The use of 'alcohol' based lens cleaning solutions is not recommended as this may affect the lens coating.

While not ruling out the possibility, we will never compromise our quality or name by producing an inferior product to meet a particular 'price point'.