Why Use Personal Safety Equipment

By Author: kuldeep singh
Total Articles: 2
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Employees required to use PPE must be trained to know at least the following
When PPE is necessary
What type of PPE is necessary
How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear
Limitations of the PPE
Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal
Why Eye and Face Protection is Important
Thousands of people are blinded each year from work related eye injuries. Injuries that
could have been prevented, if only people would have used eye or face protection.
Types of eye/face hazards
Impact
Heat
Chemicals
Dust, Light and/or Radiation
Potential Incidences of Eye/Face Hazards
Object Striking Eyes
Dusts, Powders, Fumes, and Mists
Small particles of matter can enter your eyes and damage them. Operations such as grinding, chiseling, sanding, hammering, and spraying can create small airborne particles
Contact with Chemicals
Toxic Gases, Vapors, and Liquids
Toxic chemicals in the form of gases, vapors, and liquids can damage your ...
... eyes. Always read the appropriate MSDS before working with any hazardous material.
Always check with your supervisor or safety manager to learn the type of eye or face protection you will need to use in order to work safely
Potential Incidences of Eye/Face Hazards
Swinging Objects
Large objects such as:
swinging chains, cables and ropes;
tools that are thrown or fall;
Thermal and Radiation Hazards
Operations such as welding, metal cutting, and working around furnaces can expose your eyes to heat, glare, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation
Elimination or Control of Hazards
Machine Guards
Many types of machines such as lathes, grinders, and sanders are equipped with guards, shields and screens
Work Area Barriers
Operations such as sanding, grinding, welding, and lathe operations produce dust, vapors, and flying particles. To protect other workers, work area barriers such as movable screens and barriers should be set up to separate workers and bystanders from hazardous operations.
Elimination or Control of Hazards
Ventilation
Ventilation, along with damping systems, can significantly reduce the amount of airborne particles that could be hazardous to your eyes
Lighting
Good lighting reduces eye strain and glare
Elimination or Control of Hazards
Signs and Warnings
Obstructions and protruding objects should be identified and marked
Eyewash Stations
Eyewash stations should be located within 100 feet of your work area. If you accidentally get something in your eyes, go directly to the eyewash station and flush your eyes with water for 15 minutes. Be sure to hold your eyes open with your fingers and "look" directly into the water streams.
Elimination or Control of Hazards
Safe Work Practices
Read and follow all warnings and precautions that may be found on equipment and hazardous materials
Do not throw tools or participate in horseplay
Keep sharp or pointed objects away from your eyes
Follow your supervisor's or safety manager's suggestions and recommendations for working safely
Proper Fit and Use of PPE
Must be right PPE for right job
Ex. Safety glasses are not sufficient eye protection for working with chemicals
Must stay on face during all work activities
Ex. Should not slide off face or pinch side of head and create a headache
Types of Eye and Face Personal Protective Equipment
Safety Glasses
much stronger and more resistant to impact and heat than regular glasses
equipped with side shields that give you protection from hazards that may not be directly in front of you
Safety glasses should be Z-87 approved to meet OSHA regulations
Should fit comfortable on face through all job tasks. Ensure that glasses are not too big or too tight
Limitation
Does not seal around eyes, could allow small droplets to come in contact with eyes

Goggles
surround the eye area, they give you more protection in situations where you might encounter splashing liquids, fumes, vapors, powders, dusts, and mists
must indicate that they are chemical splash goggles to be worn for that purpose
Limitation
Uncomfortable to wear with other head gear like helmet, ear muffs or respirator
Face Shields
full face protection
used around operations which expose you to molten metal, chemical splashes, or flying particles
Can be used simultaneously as a hard hat
Limitations
Are not considered eye protection, will need to wear goggles or glasses underneath
Can fog up if working in poorly ventilated area.
The employee did not receive any injuries from the incident
Face shield used by an employee working with molten metal
The molten metal bubbled and burst onto the face shield of the employee

Welding Helmets
provide both face and eye protection
use special absorptive lenses that filter the intense light and radiant energy that is produced during welding operations
Limitations
Heavy and hot, fog up
Must wear safety glasses or goggles underneath helmet
Care of Eye Protection Equipment
Clean your eye protection equipment. You can usually use mild soap and water
Never use abrasive soaps, rough paper, or cloth towels
Keep PPE in good working condition
If damaged, replace as soon as possible
Store your eye protection equipment in a sanitary, cool, dry area away from moisture
Read the manufacturer's directions and warnings before using any eye protection equipment
If you have any questions concerning your eye protection equipment, talk with your supervisor or safety manager.