EYE
EYE PROTECTION
PROTECTION
EYE PROTECTION
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Safety Glasses
Safety Goggles
Face Shield
Welding Helmet
RISK AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT:
1) Impact
The fragile and vulnerable human eye is particularly prone to damage from five types of hazards
encountered in occupational applications namely impact, heat, dust, chemicals and radiation.
Nearly three out of five injured workers were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or
were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. One of the keys to preventing eye damage
in the workplace is through wearer acceptance of correct protective eyewear.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
IMPACT
HEAT
CHEMICALS
DUST
OPTICAL
RADIATION
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CYMOT Personal Protective Equipment
Impact hazards include flying objects such as chips, fragments, particles, sand and dirt. These hazards typically result from tasks like
chipping, grinding, machining, masonry work, wood-working, sawing, drilling, chiseling, powered fastening, riveting and sanding.
These objects or sparks are usually very small but can cause serious eye damage, such as punctures, abrasions and contusions. Wear
primary protective devices such as safety spectacles with side shields or goggles. Secondary protective devices like face shields are
required in conjunction with primary protective devices during severe exposure to impact hazards.
2) Heat
Heat injuries, including burns, can occur to the eye when workers are exposed to high temperatures, splashes of molten metal, or hot
sparks. Workplace operations that are especially vulnerable to these types of hazards involve pouring, casting, hot dipping, furnace
operations and other similar activities. When exposed to heat hazards, workers should be required to wear goggles or safety spectacles
with special-purpose lenses and side shields. Many heat hazard exposures require the use of a face shield in addition to safety
spectacles or goggles. When selecting PPE, consider the source and intensity of the heat and the type of splashes that could occur in the
workplace. Anti-fog coatings can help improve compliance in high-heat situations.
3) Chemicals
Direct contact with chemicals is another leading cause of eye injuries. A lot of these injuries, which typically occur in the form of a
splash, mists, vapors or fumes, result from an inappropriate choice of PPE, according to OSHA. With the wrong type of PPE in place,
a chemical substance could enter the eye area from around or under the protective equipment. Damage from chemical substances
contacting the eyes can often be extremely serious and even irreversible. When working with or around chemicals, workers need to
know the location of emergency eyewash stations and how to access them with restricted vision. When fitted and worn correctly, goggles
provide proper protection for eyes against hazardous substances. A face shield may be required in areas where workers are exposed
to severe chemical hazards.
4) Dust
In many workplace environments, dust can be very hard to avoid. It is most prevalent in such operations as woodworking and buffing.
Working in a dusty environment can cause eye injuries and especially presents hazards to contact lens wearers.
When dust is present, workers should wear either eyecup or cover-type safety goggles. Safety goggles are the only effective type of eye
protection from nuisance dust because they create a protective seal around the eyes.
Since dust tends to stick on eyewear, making it difficult to see through and frustrating the worker, it is vital that a regular cleaning regimen
be maintained.
5) Optical radiation
Laser work and other similar operations that create high concentrations of heat, ultraviolet, infrared and reflected light radiation are
also potential eye hazards. Unprotected laser exposure may result in retinal burns, cataracts and permanent blindness. Determine the
maximum power density, or intensity, lasers produce when workers are exposed to laser beams. Then select lenses that protect against
the maximum intensity. Selection of laser protection should depend upon the lasers in use and the operating conditions. Smoked or tinted
eyewear Workers can protection eyes against ordinary sunlight. Infrared Radiation (IR), Visible Light (Glare), Ultraviolet Radiation (UV),
Lasers, Arc Welding: Arc, Oxyfuel Gas Welding, Oxyfuel or Oxygen Cutting, Torch brazing, Torch soldering and Glare.
Eye Protection
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