Axcess Industries understand that eye injuries are very real and scary things. The processes workers may come in contact with generate a great deal of dust, dirt, and metal particulates. These materials are frequently airborne because of the processes producing them, air movement, and activity. Airborne debris, including the hot sparks and slag generated by hot work is the most frequent source of eye injuries. When these materials get into an eye it is uncomfortable and often very painful. The natural tendency to rub the eye aggravates the problem and may cause a corneal abrasion or embed the foreign body in the eye. Imbedded foreign bodies always require medical removal. However, SafetyEd want to make sure that you know that most eye injuries can be prevented by properly using person protect equipment.
Many of the foreign body injuries to the eye reported by workers are caused by workers blowing into goggles, welding helmets, face shields, or respirators to remove dust or debris. Providing wipes and eyeglass cleaning stations at convenient locations throughout the shipyard has proven to be effective in significantly reducing the number of these occurrences. Eye-wash stations located throughout the building provide workers the opportunity to flush foreign bodies from the eyes quickly, often preventing more severe injury.
In hot work, exposure to the ultraviolet rays and radiant energy in the visible light bands produced by electric arcs and gas flames can cause eye injuries. The most frequent injury, UV Keratitis, commonly called welders flash, occurs when the unprotected eye is exposed to the intense light generated from a welding arc. The intense ultraviolet light literally sunburns the surface of the eye. Although this is painful and disabling, it is temporary in most instances. However, chronic exposure greatly increases the risk of cataracts. Nearby workers and workers passing through an are where welding is going on sometimes experience this injury if they happen to be watching when the welder strikes their arc.
Shaded filter lenses are required to protect workers from injurious light radiation. Such equipment includes goggles, face shields, welding helmets o a combination of equipment depending on the type of work being done, worker preference and Axcess rules.
Another concern for workers doing hot work is sweating. Hot work is indeed, “hot work”, using sweat bands can help in preventing eye irritation, aid in visibility, and reduce work interruptions for face mopping.
As with all personal protective equipment, fit and comfort are important considerations in selecting eye protection. Workers should be trained in fitting, adjusting, and properly caring for equipment they use.
SafetyEd know that making workers away of the hazards and proper work procedures through safety briefings, posters, and other forms of communication, goes a long way in motivating workers to use personal protective equipment and work safely. So always listen to SafetyEd and stay safe out there!
