OSHA’s eye and face protection requirements are relatively broad. OSHA designed the following questions and answers to clear up some of the gray areas:
When is eye and face protection required? OSHA’s eye and face protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.133, requires the use of eye and face protection when workers are exposed to eye or face hazards. These hazards include flying objects, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. Employers must provide eye protection for employees who are exposed to potential eye injuries during their work if safe work practices or engineering controls do not eliminate the risk of injury.
Can any eye and face protection be used? No. Eye and face protection must be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed (i.e., impact, penetration, heat).
What about Regular Eyeglasses? Eyeglasses designed for ordinary wear do not provide the level of protection necessary to guard against workplace hazards. Additionally, special care must be taken when choosing eye protectors for those who wear glasses with corrective lenses such as: 1) Prescription glasses with side shields and protective lenses that also correct the employee’s vision; 2) Goggles that can fit over corrective eyeglasses without disturbing the alignment of the eyeglasses; or 3) Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind protective lenses.
Who certifies personal protective equipment (PPE)? The American National Standards Institute.
Is training required before eye and face protection is used? Yes. Training must be provided to employees who are required to use eye and face protection. The training must be comprehensive, understandable and recur at least annually. It should include:
- Why the eye and face protection is necessary and how improper fit, use or maintenance can compromise its protective effect
- Limitations and capabilities of the eye and face protection
- Effective use in emergency situations
- How to inspect, put on and remove the equipment
- Recognition of medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use
- Maintenance and storage
- General requirements of OSHA’s eye and face protection standard
Why is a formal eye and face protection program needed? A program increases the chances of using equipment correctly. Also, OSHA requires a number of written elements for all PPE protection programs.
What do employees need to know about the eye and face protection program? You must establish and implement a written eye and face protection program with work site-specific procedures. The provisions of the program include procedures for selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, training, use and care of eye and face protection.
What if an employee has a very small face and has trouble being fit tested? PPE may differ in size and fit depending on the manufacturer. Users may need to try a few different models to get the best fit. You must help employees find suitable protection.
What kind of maintenance and care is required for eye and face protection? It should be inspected, leaned and maintained at regular intervals so it provides the requisite protection. Also, make sure that contaminated equipment that can’t be decontaminated is disposed of in a safe and correct manner.
If employees work in shifts, is it OK for them to share protective eyewear? Yes, but you must disinfect it after each use.
What is the proper way to store protective devices that are used routinely? Goggles should be kept in a case when not in use. Safety glasses should be given the same care as one’s own glasses, since they can be damaged by rough usage.
July is UV Safety Month and when you think of protecting yourself from UV rays what do you think of first? Most would probably say their skin. After all, it is our body’s largest organ, but what about your eyes?