The Importance of Safety Glasses
Safety standards cover various types and classes of eye protection including safety glasses that have side shields, welding helmets, goggles, eyecup goggles, face shields, and open safety glasses. Safety glasses are available in both prescription and non-prescription and are considered part of an employee’s PPE.
OSHA’s eye and face protection standard, Australian Standard 1336-1982, requires employees use eye protection when they will be exposed to eye or face hazards such as liquid chemicals, molten metal, chemical gases or vapours, flying objects, acids or caustic liquids, which have the potential to cause minor to life changing eye injuries.
OSHA recommends that when choosing goggles there must seal around the face. There cannot be any gaps. Goggles need to have a strap that adjusts. You will require special task lenses in some instances such as for chemical spraying, gas cutting, degreasing, woodworking, or grinding.
Ensure that the protective eyewear you choose is appropriate for the hazards of your job. This will ensure optimum protection. There are also safety goggles that fit over your prescription glasses. SA proper fit is important. Pay attention to the bridge, temple area, and eye area.
Companies should require all employees to have their eyes tested annually to ensure they have satisfactory vision. Outside workers should be required to have UV protection lenses, and because Women have a more difficult time getting safety goggles to fit properly and comfortably, employers should ensure women are wearing correctly fitted safety glasses.
90% of all eye injuries in the workplace could be prevented, with the use of eye protection. Employers need to enforce their policies and procedures relating to eye protection.
