January 13, 2020 Safety Tip of the Week delivered to your inbox each Monday by GrainnetSafety.com
Protect Your Eyes and Face From Chemicals
A large percentage of eye injuries are caused by direct contact with chemicals.
These injuries often result from inadequate or improperly selected eye protection that allows a chemical substance to enter from around or under the protective eye equipment.
Serious and irreversible damage can occur when chemical substances contact the eyes in the from of a splash, mist, or vapor.
When fitted correctly, goggles protect the wearer's eyes from hazardous substances.
A face shield in conjunction with goggles may be required in areas where workers are exposed to severe chemical hazards.
Safety Goggles
Safety goggles protect the eyes, eye sockets, and facial area from a variety of chemical hazards.
Goggles form a protective seal around the eyes, preventing objects or liquids from entering under or around the goggles.
This is important when working around liquids that mist, splash, or spray.
Ventilated goggles allow air circulation while providing protection against airborne particles, dust, and liquids.
There are several types of ventilated goggles, including:
Directed ventilated goggles - resist passage of large particles into the goggle. They prevent fogging by allowing air circulation.
Indirect ventilated goggles - prevent fogging by allowing air circulation while protecting the wearer against liquids and splashes.
Non-ventilated goggles - do not allow the passage of air into the goggle, may prevent splash entry, and may fog, requiring frequent lens cleaning.
Face Shields
Face shields can protect the wearer's eyes and face from chemical splashes, sprays, and mists.
Face shields are considered a secondary protector and always should be used with primary protection such as safety goggles.
Face shields are also available with goggle protection built directly into the face shield.
Source: Eye and Face Protection eTool, www.osha.gov
