Eye injuries at work are common. Eye protection is personal protective equipment designed to reduce the risk of injury to the eyes. If you are looking for eye protection but are not sure where to start, always remember that it’s important to match your choice of eye protection to the hazards that you will face at work.
There are many different types of eye protection, from safety goggles to full face shields and each type is designed to protect the eyes from specific hazards. There is no one type of eye protection that can protect you from every possible hazard.
Dust is a workplace nuisance, especially when it’s kicked up by wind or work. A pair of safety goggles will provide suitable eye protection for dust. Safety goggles should fit snugly to the face, forming a protective seal around the eyes and preventing dust from entering the goggles and the eyes.
If your job involves cutting, grinding, chipping etc your eyes are at risk of being injured by airbourne objects. Safety goggles provide adequate protection from all flying debris created when your work involves activities that may generate particulate in the air. Safety goggles should be used for protection against potential risk from high speed particles or activities that involve high pressure or an explosive force.
If you work with chemicals then choose a combination of safety goggles and a face-shield to prevent chemicals from splattering into your eyes and face. Safety goggles form a seal around the face that prevents liquids or chemicals from entering the goggles, protecting the eyes.
Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause a condition known as welder’s flash. These injuries are like sunburn in the eye and can cause loss of vision. Welders should always wear special welding screens or use shaded lenses to block the UV light.
Employers should also consider installing eye wash stations in places that employees may be at risk of injury to the eyes.Work & Wear Direct supplies a range of eye protection from well-known brands including Beeswift eye protection and JSP safety goggles. Call us on 01702 553698 to find out more.
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