Eye protection
Buying guide
Eye protection Buying guide Eye protection explained Eye injuries in the workplace are very common. Safety experts and eye doctors believe the correct eye protection can lessen the severity or even prevent a large percentage of eye accidents reported in the workplace. An eye injury can result in anything from an irritation in the eyes to total blindness. Other causes of injuries include splashes with grease and oil, burns from steam, ultraviolet or infrared radiation exposure, and flying wood or metal chips. It’s imperative to wear eye protection to avoid such injuries should an accident occur in a working environment. There are a variety of products available from Alexandra that provide protection for the eyes including: safety spectacles and goggles. These enclose and protect the eyes in order to prevent particulates, infectious fluids or chemicals from entering the eye itself. The eye protection chosen for specific work situations depends on the type of hazard, the circumstances of exposure, other protective equipment used, and individual vision needs.
Examples of hazards which may require eye protection: • Chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour or radiation. • Working with power-driven tools, where chippings or debris are likely to fly into the face, or abrasive materials may be projected. • Radiant heat, molten metal, hot solids, sparks or hot liquid splash from working in hot conditions, for example welding, ovens, furnaces etc. • Chemicals particularly from splashes and fumes. • Intense light or other optical radiation emitted at levels liable to cause risk of injury, for example welding, lasers etc.
Choosing the right protection for your task • Ultraviolet filter (EN170) • Sunglare filter performance • Optical quality (1+ high, 3+ low) • Medium energy impact (120M/S) • Protection at extreme temperature • Liquid droplets • Large dust particles (up to 5UM) • Molten metals and hot solids •R esistance to surface damage by fine particles • Anti-mist
Job roles which may require the use of eye protection:
Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning, not forgetting headbands and frames. Use only anti-mist, cleaning and anti-static fluids and cloths recommended by the manufacturer.
• Construction
Do not use products when visibility is noticeably reduced (e.g. the lenses are deeply scratched or worn) or the frame, headband or harness is deformed. Please throw them away and replace them.
• Carpentry
• Manufacturing
• Auto repair • Electrical work
For further guidance, please visit: www.hse.gov.uk
• Plumbing • Welding • Maintenance
Alexandra West Park House Midland Way Thornbury Bristol BS35 2NT t 0333 600 1111 f 0333 700 2222
alexandra.co.uk