Weekly Tool Box Talk – Eye and Face Protection

There are a number of workplace hazards, which can result in injuries to the eye and face.  These hazards include:Chemical SplashesFlying Chips and SparksOptical radiation from welding, lasers and radiologyBiological HazardsEye protection such as glasses and goggles are designed to protect the eyes only.  There are specific types of glasses, goggles and shields for particular hazards.  Glasses                                          Clear glasses are designed to shield the yes from the impact of flying chipsLenses are made of safety glass or plastic.  They can be made to correct the worker’s vision.Lenses should be large enough to cover the entire eye.  When peripheral hazards are present, side shields are required. Goggles                Goggles are protective devices intended to fit the face around the eyes.  They protect the eyes from flying objects, chemical splashes, chemical fumes and optical radiation.  Tinted goggles are available to protect eyes from laser and welding operations.  Face Shields                  Face shields are intended to protect the worker’s face from specific hazards.  Face shields do not provide primary eye protection.  They must be used with safety glasses or goggles.Face shields are designed to protect the face.  The bottom of the shield should drop below the chin to provide adequate protection to the face.  Welding Helmets            Welding helmets provide protection against optical radiation as well as face protection.Welding helmets will protect the worker from flying objects with the insertion of a safety glass in front of the shaded glass.   Eye and face protection with scratches, dents, and defective parts that obscure workers’ vision should be discarded.