Quality Integrated Services | Safety

Eye Protection

To protect your eyes, the eyelids close automatically when threatened by heat, strong light, irritation, or possible impact. This natural blink defense won't protect your eyes against hazards such as flying particles or radiation. That's why anyone who works in or visits a hazardous area needs eye protection. To properly protect your eyes, you need to know what equipment is right for a particular job. You also need to know what to do in case your eyes are injured to help limit the damage caused.

There are several types of eye protection. The type you need depends on the work you will be performing. The following is a list of the various types and what they are designed to protect against :

Spectacles, semi / flat fold sideshields - Provide primary protection against impact and optical radiation. Non-sideshield spectacles are available for frontal protection only
Goggles, flexible fitting, regular ventilation - Cushion the face, protect eyes at sides, top and bottom
Goggles, flexible fitting, hooded ventilation - Protect against impact, sparks, chemical splashes, and dust
Goggles, cushioned fit, rigid body - Protect against impact, sparks, chemical splashes, irritating mists and dust
Welding goggles, eyecup type, filter lenses - Ideal for protection from glare and sparks
Chipping goggles, eyecup type, clear safety lenses - Protect against hot sparks and nuisance dust
Face shield, plastic or mesh window - Designed to protect the whole face; must be supplemented with safety glasses
Welding helmet, stationary window or lift front window - Protection from welding, soldering, and brazing. Must be supplemented with safety glasses

There are a few things that can be done if your eyes are injured to help minimize the damage. Below are some of the treatments that can be used should your eyes be injured :

Chemical Splash – Don't squeeze eyes shut. Hold them open with thumb and index finger. Flood eyes with cool, clean water for 15-20 minutes. Get medical help as soon as possible. If you can, have the chemical container and its label available for evaluation. Don't use another chemical to neutralize the spilled chemical.
Flying Particles – Don't try to remove anything embedded in the eye. You could add to the damage. Don't pull or squeeze the eye. Cover the eye, and get medical help as soon as possible.
Radiation Injuries, Burns – If the eyes are exposed to intense heat, flames, lasers or arc welding radiation, apply ice packs to relieve the pain. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Blows to the Eyes – Apply ice packs to control swelling and relieve the pain. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Eyestrain – Glare, poor lighting and long periods spent at video display terminal (VDT) can cause eye fatigue, soreness, and headaches. Improve the job-site lighting. Give eyes adequate rest.

Eyewash stations may also be available. These can be used to clean the eye if an injury occurs.

If you wear contact lenses, be extra cautious around gases, vapors, fumes, and dust. Possible reaction can occur.

Some quotes taken from 'Eye Protection' by the National Safety Council.

All information for this safety page provided by the National Safety Council from the Eye Protection booklet copyright 1996.