Mar 02

Your Eyes
What can be more precious than your sight?

What if you could no longer see this?

 Eye and Face Protection
• Typical eye injury accidents
– Objects striking the eye
– Contact with chemical and hazardous materials
– Struck by swinging objects (chains)
– Viewing radiant energy sources (welding
operations or lasers)
 Types of Eye Hazards
Flying objects

Particles and dust

Chemicals

Struck by swinging
objects

Harmful light radiation –

ultraviolet, infrared or lasers
 Sources of Eye Hazards
Flying objects or particles in eye

Grinding
Sanding

Sandblasting
Blowdown

Woodworking Nail gun use

 Sources of Eye Hazards
Harmful light radiation

 
Ultraviolet from welding
                                                                                                             

Infrared from molten metal

Laser
 Sources of Eye Hazards
Chemical Hazards

The most dangerous chemicals to

the eyes are corrosive liquids.

Examples include acids, lye, bleach,

ammonia, sodium hydroxide and
formaldehyde.
Other chemicals can also be
extremely irritating to the eyes.
Some chemicals (pesticides, for
example) can be absorbed through
the eyes and make you sick.
 Protective Measures
• Always wear proper eye protection
• Machine Guards (lathes, grinders, sanders)
• Work area barriers (screens)
• Ventilation
• Lighting
• Signs and Warnings
• Eyewash stations (within 100 ft or 10 second rule)
flush eye with water for 15 minutes - hold eye open with
fingers and look INTO the water stream - DO NOT RUB eye.
After flushing seek medical attention
 Protective Measures
• Safe Work Practices -
– Read and follow all warnings and precautions
– Do not throw tools or participate in horseplay
– Keep sharp or pointed tools away from eyes
 Welding Helmet Lenses
For all types of electric arc welding, a
welding helmet equipped with the
correct shade filter is required.

Many welders are now using

auto-darkening welding helmets.
 Types Three
of Eye Protection
Main Types

Safety glasses

goggles

Face shields
 Laser Eyewear
Laser protective glasses are chosen to
match the type of laser used.
 Safety Glasses
Side shields or
wraparound required

Must meet ANSI Z87.1

Standards for impact resistance

Must be comfortable if
worn for long periods

12
 Goggles
Required if handling corrosive
liquids.

Also provide protection against

irritating gases and vapors.

Must be impact-resistant if used Vents

for flying object protection.

Some are vented or coated to

prevent fogging.
 Face-shields
When are they needed?

Face-shields are necessary when

a splash to the face might occur.

Worn over glasses or goggles for

extra protection.

Special shields are available for

infrared or ultraviolet light.
 Care of Eye Protection Equipment
• Clean with mild soap and water or special wipes
designed for protective eye equipment
• Never use abrasive soaps, rough paper or cloth
towels
• Always keep in good working condition - if
damaged - repair or replace
• Store in sanitary, cool, dry area away from
moisture
 Emergency Eyewashes
An eyewash station is required for potential eye exposure to:

corrosives – acids, caustics

 
                 
strong irritants – many solvents
and other chemicals

toxic chemicals – pesticides and

other chemicals
When in Doubt -
Cover Your Eyes!

With Proper Eye Protection