Eye Protection Objectives Statistics Types of injuries Eye

Eye Protection

Objectives • • • Statistics Types of injuries Eye exposures Common injuries Tips to protect your eyes

National Statistics 2000 workplace eye injuries per day… enough to fill a typical 40, 000 seat basketball stadium each month.

National Statistics 90% of eye injuries can be prevented with the proper use of eyewear.

Types of Injuries • • Impact injuries Chemical injuries Heat injuries Light

Impact Injuries • Eye cuts and punctures from: – Cutting – Grinding – Working with machines and power tools (nail guns, staplers, etc. )

Impact Injuries The pictures below shows eyes that were lacerated and struck by a flying objects. Imagine if this was your eye!

Impact Injuries • Ordinary eye glasses are NOT effective eye protection: – Not designed to protect from sharp high impact objects – Create their own hazard when shattered

Impact Injuries Safety Glasses must have ANSI Z 87 designation

Impact Injuries • You only have two eyes! – Some safety glasses have side shields. • Many injuries come from the side. – Safety glasses can be obtained from your tool crib or supervisor. – Safety glasses are an inexpensive way to prevent very expensive injuries

Chemical Injuries • Chemical injuries typically arise from: – Chemicals splashed in eyes – Certain caustic fumes

Chemical Injuries These eyes were burned by chemicals. Goggles or a face shield and goggles protect from the front and side.

Chemical Injuries • Forms of protection – Full face shield – Goggles – A combination of both for maximum front and side protection

Heat Injuries • Exposure to: – Hot metals – Hot liquids – Other high temperature processes • Best protection: – Wear both a face shield and safety glasses (added protection front and side)

Light Injuries • Bright light can damage the eye. – Injuries aren’t as quick to show damage. • Typical exposures from welding and material joining – Typical exposures include: • Welding • Any exposure to infrared and ultraviolet radiation, such as ebrite lights

Light Injuries Specially designed goggles and masks are used that block optical radiation. These are NOT sunglasses!

It’s Really An Easy Choice • Practice safety at all times. • You must make the decision to wear your eye protection • For most work areas, a simple pair of safety glasses is enough • But, they won’t protect against all eye injuries SO…

Summary • Chose the right kind of eye protection for the job: – Impact injuries • Flying moving objects and dust – Chemical injuries • Splashes and fumes – Heat injuries • Working around heat, sparks, or flames – Light injuries • From exposure to infrared and ultraviolet radiation

Wear Eye Protection! • You make the choice • Wear safety glasses • Click for Eye Safety Video • Do you have questions? • Contact your supervisor or EHS.