CalGEO - The California Geotechnical Engineering Association

Industry News

January 12, 2009
Eye Protection
By Craig Hill, Earth Systems, Inc.

Summer is the dry and windy season when eye hazards are most common. In our business we are exposed daily to potential hazards that could result in serious injury or even blindness. In the United States every day there are approximately 1,000 eye injuries in the workplace. Each year there are over 100,000 disabling eye injuries; there is a disabling eye injury occurring approximately every five minutes.

Types of hazards that can cause eye injuries

The following are the most common types of hazards that can cause an injury to the eye:

Flying particles. Blowing dust or sand on a job site; metal flakes emitted from tools or machinery; dust from sweeping the floor; sawdust; and particles or bugs blown into the cab of your vehicle when driving down the road (or riding your bicycle) are all potential hazards that can result in eye injuries.

Splashing liquid. Muddy water splashed by a passing vehicle on a construction site; molten liquid such as sulfur cement used as a capping compound in the lab; hazardous chemicals such as trichloroethane for asphalt testing and cleaning solutions used in the office are all liquids that can be splashed and cause an eye injury.

High intensity light or heat rays. Sparks, hot slag, and ultraviolet rays emitted from welding or cutting operations can cause eye injury.

Protruding objects. Sharp protruding objects found on construction sites, in poorly lighted areas, or confined spaces can cause eye injury.

Glare and reflection. Glare from natural or artificial light sources can result in eye strain and fatigue.

How to protect yourself from eye injuries

Personal protective equipment. One of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment is eye protection. To protect against flying particles or protruding objects, wear approved safety glasses. For particles approaching from above, below, or either side, wear safety goggles or be sure the safety glasses have side-shields. To protect from splashing liquids or chemicals, a face shield or goggles may be necessary. A tight fitting face mask will provide eye protection against toxic atmospheres. To protect against sparks, hot slag and the hazards of welding and cutting, safety glasses and a welding helmet equipped with the proper shade of filter lens will be necessary. The American Welding Society specifies the minimum protective shade and a suggested (comfort) shade number (ANSI/ASC Z49.1).

Inspect your hand tools. Before using a hammer or any hand tool that could emit a flying particle, inspect the tool to be sure it is in good working order.

Carry a flashlight. Use a flashlight to illuminate areas of reduced visibility such as a basement or crawl space beneath a floor.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). To protect against hazardous chemicals review the MSDS sheet.

Site Reconnaissance. Conduct a site reconnaissance (whenever possible) before commencing work in an area where protruding objects are suspected.

Adjust your work station. Adjust your video display terminal to reduce glare from windows or lights.

Take a break. When working at a video display terminal, take regular breaks to relax your eyes and focus on objects at varying distances.

Close Doors and Windows. When working in a windy environment or when driving, keep openings closed to reduce airborne particles.

Orient Yourself. When working in the field, orient your operation (whenever possible) to reduce glare.

Protective guards. Machinery and equipment with moving parts should have protective guards to reduce the possibility of flying particles.

Construct a screen. Welders must ensure that a screen, curtain or plywood barrier protects others from seeing the welding arc.

What to do in the event of an eye injury

Chemicals. For chemical burns, flush eyes for minimum of 15-20 minutes. Flush from inside corner out. Do not rub the eyes. Call for medical assistance immediately.

Impaled objects. Do not remove impaled objects. Keep the patient calm. Cover the injured eye (impaled object) with a paper cup for protection. Cover the uninjured eye also to decrease eye movement. Call for medical assistance immediately.

Small particle in the eye. Do not rub the eye. If the object is under the upper lid, pull the lid away from the eye and down over the lower lid. Hold the lid over the lower lid and allow tears to wash the particle away. If the object is under the lower lid, pull the lower lid away from the eyeball. Hold the lid away from the eyeball and allow tears to wash the particle away. Call for medical assistance if necessary.

Bleeding. Apply a loose dressing of clean cloth. Do not apply pressure. Call for medical assistance immediately.

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