Usually, I try to write these safety blogs based on issues I have witnessed over the span of my working career. This time, I am writing one to myself! I have to admit to not wearing safety glasses the other day while cleaning a carburetor. And of course, I managed to direct a stream of brake cleaner directly at my eye! If your asking why I used brake cleaner instead of carburetor cleaner - IT STING LESS WHEN IT GETS INTO YOUR EYE, HAHA! When I was starting out 20+ years ago, the same thing happened with carb cleaner, and that really stung! Of course being young, I did not own any safety eyewear, but I do now and still take it for granted (though I have been better at wearing when I REALLY need to). So, I am going to try to take my own advice going forward. 😉
When it comes to safety eyewear in the workplace, there are several options to choose from based on the specifics of the job at hand. As I am typing this, I am thinking of how in recent years I have seen (no pun intended) safety eyewear appear in professions that "traditionally" did not utilize eye protection: dentists/dental hygienists, police and emt's, to mention a few.
Safety eyewear should have an ANSI Z87+ rating or better. For a better explanation of this rating, check out this blog. Check your current safety eyewear to ensure that it meets this rating. Also, make sure that the coverage (face shield vs. glasses) is appropriate for the task at hand. For example, if you are using a grinder, a face shield AND safety glasses should be used together! Talk to your supervisor and/or safety officer and make sure the right protective equipment is available. Or if you are the only one in charge - evaluate all your options to get the best fit for the job.
Most important of all - SAFETY EYEWEAR DOES NOT WORK IF IT IS NOT USED!!!
(yep, talkin' to myself again!)
P.S. Here is an article from our friends at Green Guard on blue light from screens:
https://www.greenguard.com/march-is-workplace-eye-wellness-month-did-you-know/?fbclid=IwAR1isgPWoPMmIF0NLhzZHqn0-hcIDJY_RjXQ4gFHbfO5sSG99G5z74exGtw
Thanks,
Tom Kassen
When it comes to safety eyewear in the workplace, there are several options to choose from based on the specifics of the job at hand. As I am typing this, I am thinking of how in recent years I have seen (no pun intended) safety eyewear appear in professions that "traditionally" did not utilize eye protection: dentists/dental hygienists, police and emt's, to mention a few.
Safety eyewear should have an ANSI Z87+ rating or better. For a better explanation of this rating, check out this blog. Check your current safety eyewear to ensure that it meets this rating. Also, make sure that the coverage (face shield vs. glasses) is appropriate for the task at hand. For example, if you are using a grinder, a face shield AND safety glasses should be used together! Talk to your supervisor and/or safety officer and make sure the right protective equipment is available. Or if you are the only one in charge - evaluate all your options to get the best fit for the job.
Most important of all - SAFETY EYEWEAR DOES NOT WORK IF IT IS NOT USED!!!
(yep, talkin' to myself again!)
P.S. Here is an article from our friends at Green Guard on blue light from screens:
https://www.greenguard.com/march-is-workplace-eye-wellness-month-did-you-know/?fbclid=IwAR1isgPWoPMmIF0NLhzZHqn0-hcIDJY_RjXQ4gFHbfO5sSG99G5z74exGtw
Thanks,
Tom Kassen
