Eye Hazards Safety

Eye Protection – Hazards

We know seeing is important. Still, it’s surprising how many jobs we do without protecting our eyes.

On constructions sites, eye hazards are everywhere:

  • Flying dust and slivers from sawing, chipping, grinding
  • Dirt and grit blown by the wind
  • Welding arcs
  • Ultraviolet radiation from the sun
  • Sparks and slag from welding and cutting
  • Abrasives from sandblasting
  • Splash from chemicals such as cleansers
  • Pipe and wire sticking out of walls
  • Ties and wire hanging down from ceilings

We’ve all had dust and dirt in our eyes. Some of us have even been hit in the eye by chips of wood, concrete or stone. A little bigger and faster and these particles can leave us with limited or no eyesight!

Eye protection is the answer. Sure, you may have problems getting used to it at first. But eye protection can keep you from losing your sight and your ability to do your job.

Safety glasses with side shields offer basic protection. If you already wear glasses, then get prescription safety glasses with side shields. They’ll fit and feel like your regular glasses.

Your frames and lenses must meet ANSI Standard Z87 Industrial Eye and Face Protectors.

Safety glasses with side shields are the only ones recommended. Side shields protect your eyes from particles entering at the side and top of your glasses. The best shields are permanently attached to the frames. If your safety glasses are fitted properly and your lenses are properly maintained, your sight should not be blurry or distorted. If your head aches or your eyes get tired, you may have a vision problem that requires prescription lenses. Some jobs require more than safety glasses with side shields. Remember – the protection should always match the hazard! Safety glasses that protect you from dust may not protect you from splash or radiation.

You should keep your glasses on even when wearing other protection, such as a welding helmet or face shield. Why? Because when you lift up the visor or shields, you may still be exposed to flying chips, dust or other eye hazards. Get your eyes checked every year to ensure no problems have developed.