What should guide the selection of appropriate eye protection?

The selection of appropriate eye protection should be guided primarily by the manufacturer's guidelines. These guidelines provide critical information regarding the safety ratings, the specific hazards each piece of eyewear is designed to protect against, and instructions for proper use and maintenance. Manufacturers conduct rigorous testing to ensure their products meet safety standards, and adhering to these guidelines ensures that users are adequately protected from potential hazards such as chemical splashes, flying particles, or radiation.

In contrast, while the appearance of the equipment, recommendations from peers, and general safety trends can have a role in the decision-making process, they are not as reliable as the manufacturer’s guidelines. The design or aesthetics of eyewear might not correlate with its protective capabilities. Peer recommendations can vary based on personal experience rather than sound scientific testing. Lastly, general safety trends may be informative but can lack the specificity that a manufacturer's guidelines offer for individual products. Therefore, relying on these guidelines ensures that the selection of eye protection is based on thorough and relevant safety considerations.