S06 HSSRME 1 2022 Fire Smoke Detection_Layout 1 04/01/2022 13:44 Page 20
PPE
Safety eyewear is a must where there are hazards which could cause damage to the eyes.
safety eyewear Safety eyewear plays a critical role in protecting workers against hazards which can cause damage to their eyes, or even blindness.
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n many workplace settings, workers are exposed to hazards which could cause temporary or permanent damage to their eyes. Some may even result in partial or complete blindness. While some injuries are immediately apparent, others may build up over time, such as exposure to UV rays from the sun. This is one of the biggest risks to the eyes, and can cause blindness. Hazards range from flying objects and debris, eg. on a construction site, dust particles from cutting, grinding or machining, arc flash, sparks and splashes from molten metal, for example when welding, as well as dangers posed from harmful
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substances such as chemicals, gases and acids. Such hazards can be defined as follows, according to JSP Safety and uvex safety: ■ Mechanical hazards: This is where foreign bodies get into the eye, which can lead to injuries to the cornea. These include high speed particles, debris or dust, splinters from various materials, wood and metal shavings etc. Workplace environments: welding, forestry work, woodwork, factories, construction sites ■ Optical hazards: Optical hazards include all types of light irradiation such as ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, lasers and welding arcs.
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“While some injuries are immediately apparent, others may build up over time.”
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Workplace environments: welding, laser treatment, working under black light/LED light, outdoor work Chemical hazards: Chemicals can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Chemical hazards include vapours, smoke, acids, solvents and other solid, liquid and gaseous substances. Workplace environments: laboratories, fire brigade, agriculture, chemical production and supply Thermal hazards: Thermal hazards refer to operations where there is a risk from molten metal splashes, hot particles and sparks. On the other hand, when liquid gases, infrared radiation or too much
ISSUE 1 2022 | www.hssreview.me
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The importance of
