Eye Protection Explained:
Eye injuries in the workplace are very common. Safety experts and eye doctors believe the correct eye protection can lessen the severity and prevent eye accidents to occur in the workplace.
An eye injury can result in anything from an irritation in the eyes to total blindness. Causes of injuries to the eye can include grease or oil accidents and spillages or burns from steam. There are also eye hazards when you are working in an environment that has ultraviolet or infrared radiation exposure. You also need to be wary when working in an environment using small debris such as wood or metal chips. It’s important to wear eye protection glasses or safety goggles to avoid such injuries or an accident in a working environment.
There are a variety of products available from Alexandra that provide protection for the eyes including safety spectacles, eye shields and safety goggles. These enclose and protect the eyes in order to prevent particulates, infectious fluids or chemicals from entering the eye itself. The eye protection chosen for specific work situations depends on the type of hazard, the circumstances of exposure, other protective equipment used, as well as individual needs. It's imperative to be fit tested and ensure that the safety specs or safety goggles fit is right.
When should you wear eye protection?
Please see below examples of potential eye hazards which will require you to wear safety eye protection:
• Splashes and spills from chemical or hot metals, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour or radiation.
• Working with power-driven tools, where chippings or debris may fly into the face, or abrasive materials may be projected.
• Radiant heat, molten metal, hot solids, sparks or hot liquid splash from working in hot conditions, for example welding, ovens, furnaces etc.
• Fumes from burning or mixing different chemicals.
• Intense light or other optical radiation emitted at levels that may cause damage or a risk of injury unless treated with caution, e.g. welding, the use of lasers etc.
Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning your eye protection products making sure not to forget headbands and frames. Use only anti-mist, cleaning and anti-static fluids and cloths that are specifically recommended by the manufacturer that you purchase from. This will ensure your anti scratch lenses and safety specs are kept in good working condition and do not obstruct the eye.
Do not use products when visibility is noticeably reduced (e.g. the lenses are deeply scratched or worn) or the frame, headband or harness is deformed. Please dispose of these safely and replace them.
For further guidance on safety specs, safety goggles or other protective eyewear, please visit: www.hse.gov.uk
Choosing the right
protection for your task:
- Ultraviolet filter (EN170)
- Sunglare filter performance
- Optical quality (1+, 3+ low)
- Medium energy impact (120 M/S)
- Protection at extreme temperature
- Liquid droplets
- Large dust particles (up to 5UM)
- Molten metals and hot solids
- Resistance to surface damage by fine particles
- Anti-mist
Job roles which may require the
use of eye protection:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Carpentry
- Auto repair
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Maintenance
Alexandra stocks a range of safety eyewear including safety goggles, eye protection goggles and safety specs that will keep you and your teams protected. Why not look at out different types of eye protection, including ppe eye protection and safety glasses for eye safety.
It's also important to ensure that if you wear contact lenses, you do not obstruct your vision. You can also purchase prescription glasses if you normally wear spectacles.
