This document discusses the importance of eye and face protection in the workplace. It notes that thousands of people are blinded each year from preventable work-related eye injuries. It then describes the delicate structure of the eye and various types of accidents that can cause eye injuries, such as objects striking the eye, hazardous chemicals, swinging objects, and radiant energy sources like welding. The document outlines potential hazards like dusts, powders, fumes, mists, toxic gases and liquids, flying objects or particles, large objects, and electrical hazards. It recommends following safe work practices and using personal protective equipment like safety glasses, face shields, and welding helmets to protect the eyes and face from these workplace dangers.

1. EYE & FACEEYE & FACE
PROTECTIONPROTECTION

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EYE & FACE PROTECTIONEYE & FACE PROTECTION
Why Eye and Face Protection is Important
Thousands of people are blinded each year from work related
eye injuries. Injuries that could have been prevented, if only
people would have used eye or face protection.

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The Delicate Structure of the Eye
Your eyes are very delicate. You can think
of them as the color television cameras for
your brain. Like a camera, your eyes
include:
- A LENS that focuses light;
- An IRIS that controls the amount of light
that enters the eye;
- RECEPTORS that "pick up" the image of
what you see, and;
- An OPTIC NERVE that serves as a
"cable" to transmit information from the
receptors in your eye to your brain.

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What Types of Accidents Cause
Eye Injuries?
Major types of accidents that cause
blindness include:
-- Objects striking the eye;
-- Contact with chemicals and other hazardous materials;
-- Being struck by swinging objects such as chains and ropes;
-- Viewing radiant energy sources such as welding operations
or lasers

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Potential Hazards
Dusts, Powders, Fumes, and Mists
Small particles of matter can enter your
eyes and damage them.
Operations such as grinding, chiseling,
sanding, hammering, and spraying can
create small airborne particles; particles
that can injure your eyes.

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Potential hazards
Toxic Gases, Vapors, and Liquids
Toxic chemicals in the form of
gases, vapors, and liquids can
damage your eyes. Always read the
appropriate MSDS before working
with any hazardous material.
NOTE: Some processes produce
hazardous gases, vapors and liquids.
Always check with your supervisor or
safety Personnel to learn the type of
eye or face protection you will need to
use in order to work safely

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Flying Objects or Particles
Operations such as grinding, chiseling, sanding,
and hammering often create flying objects or
particles that can damage your eyes

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Potential Hazards
Large Objects
1. swinging chains, cables and ropes;
2. tools that are thrown or fall;
3. any sharp objects such as knives,
scissors, pencils, etc.; and
4. walking or falling into obstructions
can damage your eyes or face.

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Potential Hazards
Electrical Hazards
Any time you work around
electricity, there is the potential for
arcs and sparks to occur.
Take time to talk with your
supervisor or safety officer
concerning the type of eye protection
you should wear if you will be
working around electrical hazards.

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Safe Work Practices
As you work:
- Read and follow all warnings and
precautions that may be found on
equipment and hazardous materials;
- Do not throw tools or participate in
horseplay;
- Keep sharp or pointed objects away
from your eyes; and
- Follow your supervisor's or safety
manager's suggestions and
recommendations for working safely.
Protective Measures

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Personal Protective Equipment
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are perhaps the most widely used type of
eye protection. While they may look similar to regular
glasses, they are much stronger and more resistant to
impact and heat than regular glasses.
In addition, most safety glasses are equipped with side
shields that give you protection from hazards that may
not be directly in front of you.
Protective Measures

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Face Shields
Face shields offer you full face
protection and are often used around
operations which expose you to molten
metal, chemical splashes, or flying
particles. Many face shields can be
used while wearing a hard hat.
NOTE: You should always wear safety
glasses or goggles when using a face
shield for added protection. Face shields
alone are NOT considered adequate eye
protection.
Protective Measures

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Welding Helmets
Welding helmets provide both face and
eye protection. Welding helmets use
special absorptive lenses that filter the
intense light and radiant energy that is
produced during welding operations.
As with face shields, safety glasses or
goggles should be worn when using a
welding helmet.
Protective Measures