eye safety march

During March equipment maintenance, it is crucial to adhere to eye safety procedures and PPE requirements to prevent injuries from hazards such as flying particles, molten metal splashes, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, harmful light radiation, and bloodborne pathogens. [1]

The primary protection for eyes is safety glasses or goggles. Side shields are required when there are flying objects. Face shields provide primary protection for the face and secondary protection for the eyes; if eye protection is required, appropriate eye PPE must also be worn. [1]

Here are some examples of required PPE based on hazard:

• Chipping, grinding, machining, drilling, chiseling, riveting, sanding: Spectacles with side protection, goggles, or face shields. For severe exposure, use a face shield over primary eye protection.
• Furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, and welding (hot sparks): Face shields, goggles, or spectacles with side protection. For severe exposure, use a face shield.
• Splash from molten metals: Face shields or reflective face shields.
• Acid and chemical handling (splash): Goggles, eyecup and cover types. For severe exposure, use a face shield over primary eye protection.
• Dusty conditions: Goggles, eyecup and cover types.
• Welding electric arc: Welding helmets or welding shields (shades 10-14).
• Welding - gas: Welding goggles or welding face shield (gas welding 4-8, cutting 3-6, brazing 3-4).
• Cutting, torch brazing, torch soldering: Spectacles or welding face shield (shades 1.5-3).

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] All personal protective clothing and equipment must be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. Only protective clothing and equipment that meet NIOSH or ANSI standards should be used. [3]

PPE should be inspected before each use, and cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cleaning is particularly important for eye and face protection where dirty or fogged lenses could impair vision. Defective or damaged PPE should be immediately discarded and replaced. [4] [5]

Employers must provide training to employees on when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE, the limitations of the PPE, and the proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.

Retraining is required when work habits or demonstrated knowledge indicate a lack of understanding, when changes in the workplace make previous training out-of-date (e.g., new equipment), or when changes in the types of PPE to be used make previous training out-of-date. [4]

Supervisors should regularly monitor, supervise, reinforce, and enforce the correct use and care of PPE by employees. Follow-up training should be provided if necessary to ensure that each employee has the adequate skill, knowledge, and ability to use their PPE. [4]