Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Liquid chemicals
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Hazardous gases
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Flying particles
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Molten metals
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Injurious radiant energy
OSHA requires that the eye protection devices provided must:
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Provide adequate protection against the particular hazard for which
they are designed.
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Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated
conditions.
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Fit snugly without interfering with the movements or vision of the
wearer.
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Be durable.
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Be capable of being disinfected.
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Be easily cleanable.
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Be kept clean and in good repair.
Several types of eye and face protection are available, including:
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Safety glasses
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Goggles
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Face shields
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Full hoods
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Welding helmets
Safety glasses are the basic form of eye protection. OSHA now
requires protective eye coverage from the front and the sides any time
there is a hazard from flying objects. This coverage can be accomplished
by using safety glasses with attached side shields or by using detach-
able side protectors.
A common misunderstanding is that most workers think that a face
shield is eye protection. Face shields are designed to protect the work-
er's face; they are not eye protection. Safety glasses or goggles should be
worn under face shields to provide primary eye protection.
It is not uncommon for workers to use the wrong type of eye protec-
tion for a particular work assignment. As a case in point, consider work-
ers who must work with corrosive chemicals. These workers normally
wear safety goggles, but they might be the wrong type of safety goggle
for the work they are performing. Safety goggles are available in vented,
nonvented, and shielded vent types. When working with liquid corrosive
chemicals, the worker should wear goggles that are not vented or do not
have shielded vents. When working with gaseous chemicals, the worker
