Everyone who wears safety glasses is impacted (no pun intended) by the 2010 ANSI Standard involving eye protection. While the standard is still based on how the product performs, it is now organized by hazard types. These changes add new requirements for testing, rating, and labeling of all safety glasses. So, let’s take a moment to unpack and understand how this relates to the typical employee and employer who currently uses safety glasses.
Gone are the days of the old heavy 1950’s-style safety spectacles with glass lenses. We are in the 21st Century, right? We have seen virtually every style of safety glass used and that is a good thing. It means that style, fit and comfort have all helped promote the use of safety glasses all the while remaining a safe and “approved” piece of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). Now, the 2010 standard requires us to consider the type of hazard we will be working around and select the appropriate type of protection. Each of these hazard types brings new testing and performance requirements the safety eyewear manufacturer will need to take into consideration. It will also mean that new products will be required to display the appropriate labeling so you the employee/employer will know if the safety eyewear is approved for your hazard! Here are the 4 main Safety Eyewear classifications ANSI wants you to know about.
1. Impact & Coverage
Previously, Safety Eyewear was classified as Basic or High impact but the new standard now simplifies this. Glasses are either rated for impact or they aren’t. So, new glasses that have the Z87+ marking are compliant. Prescription safety eyewear that is compliant will be marked with Z87-2+ markings. These markings affirm that the safety eyewear meets high mass and velocity impact tests as well as lateral coverage protecting the eyes and will be placed on the lens and the frame.
2. Chemical Splash & Dust
New product requirements and test methods have been added for products intended to provide protection against chemical splash, dust, and fine dust. Protectors meeting the requirements will be marked D3, D4, or D5, respectively, on their frames or housings. While we won’t detail each of the different levels D3-5, know that products may satisfy more than one use category and will be marked accordingly.
3. Optical Radiation
Welding applications that expose the worker to Optical Radiation are rated and require different shaded filters to protect them. These levels of protection are based on the intensity of the hazard. For example, welding filters will be marked with a “W” and the required shade for the application will follow after the filter type. So a shade 10 welding filter will be marked W10. In short, Ultraviolet, Infrared, Visible Light, and other types of potential optical radiation are identified and scaled. The manufacturer of the safety eyewear will rate their product performance using these designators and scales.
4. SIZE REQUIREMENTS
The eyewear industry is aware that people of all sizes and shapes will need to wear safety glasses. ANSI has rated products designed for smaller heads with the letter “H”.
So, what is the takeaway here? If you are wearing safety eyewear that has the Z87.1 markings you are in compliance. The Z87.1-2010 standard is in effect and incorporated into the OSHA regulations covering PPE however the regulations allow the 3 latest versions of the standard to still be used. Manufacturers will include new markings as they bring new products to the market. We suggest you begin to look at safety eyewear requirements from the perspective of the potential hazards and become more familiar with the standard. More details about the changes can be found at www.safetyequipment.org. Copies of the standard may be obtained through ANSI at www.ansi.org.
Vocational or trade schools are an excellent post-secondary education option for students seeking specific, career-related training. At vocational schools, the emphasis is on practical education with a lot of hands-on experience. Therefore, for both the students and instructors, safety is a No. 1 component. Not only are inexperienced students at a higher risk for injury, but it's also vital for those graduating from trade schools to have a solid understanding of workplace safety when they enter their careers. Many of the common programs demand optimum dexterity, which also necessitates proper eyesight. Between the flying of debris, close proximity to extreme heat, and working with power tools, this environment requires that the student be equipped with the proper safety eyewear for each of the different skills he or she will learn. Instructors can better ensure the well-being of these budding professionals by providing them with the necessary safety eyewear.
"Students are arguably most susceptible to projectiles."
The hazards According to the American Optometric Association, manufacturing, carpentry, auto repair, electric work, plumbing, welding, and construction are all high-risk jobs for eye injuries. Likewise, these careers represent popular vocational training programs. Students are arguably most susceptible to projectiles while enrolled in trade schools. Projectiles are objects that fly through the air and can harm the eye through contact. They include glass, wood, plastic, stone, and metal, among other materials commonly used in a vocational classroom. Exposure to extreme heat, a situation particularly apparent in welding programs, can also damage the eye.
Types of eyewear There are several different kinds of safety eyewear, and they serve different purposes and provide various levels of protection. For example, when working with chemicals, students may benefit from goggles that completely seal off the eye area. The enclosed space will prevent powders from blowing or liquids from splashing into the eyes. Safety indoor glasses are essential for protecting against projectiles. Many have built-in side protection with a wrap-around design that will shield the eyes from debris in all directions. However, the fit can be problematic for those who wear glasses to improve vision. If the eyeglasses are sufficient for blocking debris from the front, consider having students use screw-on side shields that attach to the glasses' frames and protect the sides of the eyes.
Many people opt to wear contact lenses, which will eliminate the fit problems associated with eyeglasses and safety eyewear. However, they can still pose a threat to eye health. Contact lenses are made of plastic polymers, which can melt when exposed to extreme heat. Welding glasses are made to specifically protect eyes from welding arc and flash, which may prevent contact lenses from melting. Regardless of whether students are wearing contact lenses, glasses, or neither, they should always wear welding glasses or a face shield when learning this skill.
Eye first aid Though all students should be wearing safety eyewear, accidents happen. Whether the eyewear breaks while a student is working on a task, a piece of debris flies further than expected or a pupil simply forgoes the appropriate gear, situations can occur in which the instructor may need to handle eye emergencies. Professional medical attention should be called if a student's eye irritation does not go away, the speck cannot be removed or there is visible redness or a scratch on the eye. Ensure safety in your vocational school classroom by equipping students with the proper safety eyewear.
Digital eye strain isn't a new problem. As a matter of fact, almost 3 out of 4 of us are subjected to this discomfort every day. This article explains what digital eye strain (DES) is, what causes it, and ways to reduce its effects. For all of us who work in front of a monitor all day, take heed to the suggestions on how to provide some relief so you can come home tonight and not feel like your eyes have withered away.
What is Digital eye strain? Digital eye strain occurs after more than 2 hours of continuous exposure to computer screens, tablets, and smartphones. It causes physical discomfort which includes dry, burning, and itchy eyes. The strain on the eyes can cause blurred vision, headaches, and fatigue. Over 60% of Americans experience digital eye strain every day. In the work environment, office workers might not be subjected to flying particles or other impact hazards that require safety glasses but they do have some exposure risks that can affect the performance and productivity while at work. Digital eye strain is one of several. Those who have photosensitivity issues or simply need relief from long hours of glare in your office environment do have some hope.
What causes digital eye strain? With high-resolution retina displays, light is focused and can be intense. As we do our work, we are exposed to this light as we concentrate. This causes us to blink less, therefore causing less lubrication to our eyes. Studies have shown that the average person blinks about 18 times per minute. While working and concentrating, that rate is reduced and the dry, itchy, burning eye symptoms begin to appear. There have been reports that lighting in the office can also contribute to the problem of glare adding to the problem. It would make sense that staring for long periods of time in front of a bright computer monitor would cause dry eyes. Ophthalmologists have known this for a long time. Add to the fact that when we take a break from our desk work we pull out our smartphones and again begin to stare at our email, Facebook and Twitter feeds to get caught up socially.
6 Ways to reduce digital eye strain The fact remains, we can't get rid our our digital devices so we should find other means to help us reduce digital eye strain. Here are 6 ways to quickly make a difference and provide some relief as you face your computer monitor, tablet, or smartphone each and every day.
1. Increase your text size. This is an easy and effective way to make an immediate difference. Some may think that increasing your browser display text size means your vision is getting worse but the truth is it relieves the strain on your eyes and can reduce the stress level on your eyes. Adjust the text size settings on all of your devices.
2. Minimize Screen glare by turning down the brightness.
4. Use the 20/20/20 rule. Take a 20 second break for every 20 minutes in front of a digital display and stare at something 20 feet away.
5. Be aware of your ergonomic seated position, ensuring that your arms, hands, back, and head are not being strained or stressed and if you wear glasses, ensure they are properly positioned so you don't have to tilt your head to see properly.
6. Check with your optician. It is always best to talk with your doctor and determine the current condition of your eye health. Discussing your work environment and the potential hazards will allow the doctor to make recommendations to help protect your eyes.
How to disinfect safety glasses Every day millions of Americans wear safety glasses to protect themselves from eye injuries. Thousands of children wear safety glasses in vocational and technology classes at our public schools. Much attention is given to the proper use and warnings related to eye injuries and prevention but little is given to the care, cleaning, and disinfecting of safety glasses. This is especially important for environments where safety glasses are shared between other people. This brief article will help us learn how to disinfect our safety glasses so they are safe and ready to use.
Why should I disinfect my safety glasses? Some may ask why it is necessary to disinfect safety glasses? Why don’t I just clean them? When glasses are shared between people, there is a potential for cross-contamination between users. Cold, flu, or other germs can be transmitted by safety glasses. Blood or other bodily fluids may contain bloodborne pathogens that carry viruses including hepatitis or AIDS. It is important to treat any bodily fluids as potentially infectious. Cleaning and disinfecting safety glasses makes sense and promotes good health and safety hygiene practices. It is important to be aware of these types of hazards as they are not always visibly seen.
Should I clean my safety glasses before I disinfect them? Yes, we suggest you clean your safety glasses with a mild detergent or cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the safety glasses. This will remove most of the contaminants from the glasses. Be gentle when cleaning and scrubbing the glasses. Plastic and polycarbonate lenses tend to scratch easily. Do not use abrasives to clean the glasses. The water temperature should be at least 110 degrees.
What is the best solution to use to disinfect my safety glasses? There are several inexpensive and easy-to-use household products that will do the job quickly and safely. Household bleach can be diluted with water to disinfect glasses. A ratio of 1 part bleach per thousand is ample to use according to Michigan State University. The same ratio can be used for ammonia and water or even tinctures of iodine and water. Completely immerse and soak the glasses in the disinfecting solution for at least 2 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Be sure to rinse your glasses in warm water to remove any soap, cleaner, or disinfectant solution. Failure to remove the cleaners or disinfectants could cause film, haze, discoloration, and could even affect the integrity of some forms of plastic. Be sure they are rinsed off completely and dried with a lint-free cloth.
How often should I disinfect my safety glasses? Safety glasses that are shared should be disinfected after every use. This will help reduce cross-contamination. If you are not sharing glasses, disinfecting only needs to occur as necessary. It is always a good idea to regularly inspect safety glasses before each use. Look for scratches or any other type of damage that may interfere with the safety performance and discard and replace as necessary.
MFASCO Safety Glasses & Eye Protection Resources:
Employers need to be able to maintain a clean working environment for their employees, and as part of the routine maintenance and care for your equipment, it is important to keep your seeing protection disinfected and sanitized. We have a number of resources available to help you keep stocked up on essential supplies, and maintain a clean working environment.
When you're working in an area where particles are in the air or there's a possibility of chemical splashes or thermal burns, you're going to need proper eye protection. Finding the right eyewear can make all the difference in workplace safety.
For some jobs, deciding on the proper eyewear may be easy. For example, welding requires welding glasses, if not a full mask. However, in other situations, it's easy to overlook potential hazards.
Ask yourself what potential risks a job holds. Is there a chance that a contaminant could enter from the sides, above or below your safety glasses? If so, goggles may be a better option. Also, make sure that any protective eyewear fits well and won't loosen throughout the day.Take a look at 5 tips for workplace eye safety
With approximately 2,000 occupational eye injuries occurring each day in the U.S. alone, eye protection should be a main concern for employers managing hazardous work environments. More often than not, workplace injuries can be avoided by putting comprehensive health and safety protocols in place. This includes conducting a hazard assessment before work begins, training employees on the correct way to use personal protection equipment, and mitigating unnecessary dangers. When it comes to eye injuries, certain scenarios and jobs could lead to harm - here are five of the most common:
"Workers should undergo regular vision testing to promote workplace safety."
1. Uncorrected vision problems Safety Business and Legal Resources, a company that helps businesses reach state and federal safety standards, notes that uncorrected vision can be a major cause of accidents. To mitigate this risk, workers should undergo regular vision testing. Consider that if a worker can't see well, it can cause two main hazards. For one, the worker may lean in closer to better see what he or she is doing, which could result in an eye injury. Secondly, a worker with uncorrected vision may make a miscalculation due to not being able to see, resulting in mistakes, accidents, or injuries to other parts of the body.
2. Masonry or carpentry work The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that construction workers have one of the highest rates of eye injuries. One reason for this frequency is that construction workers often complete tasks that send dust, wood chips, slag, or other particles into the air. The CDC points out that common masonry and carpentry tasks, such as sanding, grinding, hammering, and cutting, all send particles or scraps of excess material airborne. Make sure to have appropriate eyewear for the job at hand, and keep in mind that the sides of your eyes will also need to be protected.
3. Welding torches Remember that when a person is welding he or she is not the only person that should be wearing protective eyewear. Bystanders, assistants, and supervisors should all also wear appropriate PPE when working near these tools. Since welding torches expose workers to high levels of UV radiation, specific safety glasses with UV protection against welding arcs and flashes are necessary.
4. Hazardous conditions For workers tackling major projects outdoors, the day-to-day change of weather conditions can have a large effect on eye safety. For example, a particularly windy day at a construction site can send excess grit into the air, potentially leading to a higher risk of eye injuries than normal. Make sure to always have emergency safety supplies on hand, especially when conditions are unpredictable. In the case of wind-blowing particles airborne, the American Optometrist Association recommends having eye wash available to help irrigate the eye and remove any debris.
5. Wearing the wrong protection To make workplace eye safety a main priority, you have to be wearing the appropriate glasses, goggles, or face mask for the job. If you're wearing the wrong type of protection, you're more likely to get injured - plain and simple. Deciding on the appropriate eyewear for a specific work environment should be part of the hazard assessment that is done before a job commences. Make a point of ensuring that all eyewear is undamaged, clean, and in good condition, and also update procedural practices as needed. If conditions on the job change, reevaluate the potential hazards and switch out your eyewear accordingly.
MFASCO Health & Safety Supporting Workplace Injury Prevention
It’s no secret that injuries and high employee turnover damage business profitability. Even if your workplace doesn’t have a lot of accidents, the perception of safety can be equally as important. No one wants to work in unsafe conditions, and team members want leadership that values their safety. Prevent worker compensation claims, prevent lawsuits, and show the team they matter with good injury prevention and response tools.
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Hearing and sight are two of the most valuable and important things to protect in the workplace. However, while precautions can easily be taken to prevent eye injuries, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that about 2,000 eye-related injuries happen to workers each day. These injuries not only cause workers to miss days on the job but also can be severe enough to cause permanent damage. This is both dangerous for employees and can be counterproductive and costly for businesses. It's in everyone's best interests to make eye safety a priority in the workplace - here are five tips to get you started:
"Wear eye protection that is appropriate for your work conditions."
1. Wear the proper protection The American Optometric Association highlights the importance of always wearing eye protection that is appropriate for your work conditions. For example, safety glasses may be best for work conditions in which dust or flying particles are a frequent hazard, such as in most industrial fabricating environments. Variations of the glasses come with protective side shields that provide a more comprehensive shield against debris. Goggles, on the other hand, are necessary in environments where chemicals or diseases are present. Goggles provide a tight shield over the eyes to ensure that liquids such as chemical splashes don't make contact with the eyes or direct area around them. In some cases, face shields or other larger protective measures may be needed.
2. Eliminate hazards A workplace culture that makes safety a priority will organically encourage workers to reduce and avoid hazards. Installing safety measures such as transparent shields around tools or in other areas where workers are at risk will ensure that they're not relying on protective eyewear alone. Also, make a point of educating and training workers on the dangers that are specific to your workplace. Develop protocols that encourage general safety, especially regarding when and where employees should wear protective gear such as eyewear or hearing protection.
3. Keep lenses clean If workers can't see, their eyes might not be the only thing at risk. Honeywell notes that eyewear must provide a clear view of the work area to be truly effective. The source notes that in workplaces where lots of dust and grit are constantly in the air, anti-scratch eyewear is imperative. Again, this means that you should research the appropriate eyewear for your line of work. For example, if you and your colleagues are working outdoors regularly, find eyewear that also has sun protection.
4. Have first aid readily available While you can take a lot of steps in the workplace to prevent eye injuries, there's no excuse for being ill-prepared when one is sustained. Make sure to have a comprehensive first aid kit on hand to address any work-related injuries, but in particular, have eye wash and eye drops readily available. For minor irritation caused by dust or grit, an eye wash rinse will likely do the trick. However, for more serious eye injuries where a basic eye wash rinse isn't enough or if there was exposure to acids or chemicals, the use of an emergency eyewash station will be necessary.
5. Replace damaged goods As eyewear should be used regularly in certain workplaces, odds are eventually safety glasses or goggles will get cracked, scratched, or broken. In such situations, protective eyewear may reduce visibility or not provide comprehensive protection. To keep your eyewear in good condition, clean your equipment regularly, hang it up after use, and make sure not to leave eyewear in places where it can easily get broken.
Eye protection should not be taken lightly, especially when working environments pose risks to your employee's occupational safety. MFASCO has a number of resources available to restock your eye protection supplies, and ensure that your safety glasses and face fields are properly maintained, functional, and sanitized.
Many would agree that sight is our most important sense. That is why it is so important to protect our eyes. Whether we are at home or work, safety glasses can help protect our eyes from injury.
Nearly one million Americans have lost some degree of sight to an eye injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20,000 workplace eye injuries occur each year that require time off of work. The quiz below is provided by preventblindness.org and is being used with their permission. Learn more about protecting your eyes at work, school, or home by taking this quiz.
1. Safety glasses can be bad for your eyes Click for AnswerAnswer: False - Safety eyewear is made of optical-quality glass or plastic. Looking through them, even for long periods of time, will not affect your vision.
2. Using a computer terminal won't damage your eyes. Click for AnswerAnswer: True - There is no clinical evidence showing that video display terminals (VDTs) can damage your eyes.
3. Safety glasses with scratches or pits do not need replacing. Click for AnswerAnswer: False - Protective eyewear with scratched, pitted lenses or damaged frames are less resistant to impact and should be replaced. Safety eyewear should be regularly cleaned, inspected, repaired and, if necessary, replaced.
4. Contact lenses provide enough safety in a work environment so you don't need safety glasses. Click for AnswerAnswer: False - Contact lenses can be used in the workplace but ONLY when worn with other appropriate eye protection.
5. Face shields by themselves offer adequate eye protection. Click for AnswerAnswer: False - A face shield provides adequate protection only when used together with other appropriate eye protection.
6. Industrial lenses can be made to fit most prescriptions. Click for AnswerAnswer: True - Industrial lenses can be made to fit most prescriptions.
7. All eyeglasses sold in the U.S. are required to be impact-resistant. Click for AnswerAnswer: True - But there's a catch: While all eyeglasses must be impact-resistant, they are not impact-proof. Industrial-type safety eyewear (both lenses and frames) must meet more stringent standards than regular eyeglasses or sunglasses. Protective eyewear that meets the industrial standard, ANSI Z-87, must be marked with the manufacturer's logo on each lens and with "Z-87" on all parts (frames, temples, etc.).
8. The difference between glass, plastic, and polycarbonate lenses are minimal. Click for AnswerAnswer: False - Polycarbonate lenses are by far the strongest and most impact-resistant. Plastic and polycarbonate lenses are lighter, protect against welding splatter, and are not as likely to fog. Glass lenses provide good scratch resistance and can withstand chemical exposure.
9. Proper occupational safety eyewear is available outside the workplace. Click for AnswerAnswer: True - Hardware stores, home care centers, safety equipment supplies, and optical shops are good places to start. Protectors for the home must have the ANSI Z-87 mark on their frames. Sports protectors should indicate that they have been tested for the appropriate sport.
10. Serious eye injuries usually happen only at work. Click for AnswerAnswer: False - There are also many home activities that require industrial-grade eye protection and sports that require special sports protectors. Not wearing protective eye gear may cause serious eye injuries.
Hands-on activities are some of the most effective educational programs. Students at your school can get a lot more out of a lesson if they are able to experiment and create projects themselves.
In some cases, to get a truly immersive experience in science or manufacturing, students might work with materials or tools that pose certain risks. While steps are taken to protect students' body parts that come in contact with the material, eye safety can be overlooked. Here are some eye safety guidelines to keep in mind while working in chemistry and shop classes:
Chemistry class eye safety Chemistry class experiments may involve potentially dangerous materials, such as alkalis and acids.
"Safety goggles need to be provided for each student."
Identify hazards - Be aware of what each chemical is and its effects when it comes in contact with body parts such as eyes. Provide special storage and instruction for materials that may be hazardous. Clearly label each ingredient and make sure students can identify chemicals on sight. If a chemical does come into contact with a student's eyes, there shouldn't be any guesswork about what it is and what to do next.
Provide equipment - Safety goggles need to be provided for each student. The American Chemical Society states safety glasses do not provide enough protection from possible chemical spills. Goggles must be worn throughout the duration of the laboratory experiences, from the very initial stages of set up until all the equipment is cleaned and put away.
Maintain your protective goggles. Make sure there are no cracks or damage to the surface. Make sure the goggles are clean. Students should be able to see clearly to prevent errors. In the event of a mistake, a chemical eyewash station or eyewash solution should be available.
Prepare treatment - If a chemical does come in contact with a student's eyes, be aware of the treatment practice for each substance. Most chemicals should be rinsed out immediately, so you need to make use of your eye wash station or solution. In the case of severe burns, contact emergency professionals.
Shop class eye safety Shop class safety should be handled with the same amount of care as chemistry classes, but working with high-powered tools can present its own set of unique challenges.
Identify hazards - The CDC warns small particles such as metal slivers and wood chips are the primary cause of eye injury when working on a construction project. Be aware of what tools throw off the most debris and what areas are in the possible hazard zone. Emphasize safety the moment students step into a work area.
Provide equipment - Eye protection should be worn by everyone in every part of the work area. Safety glasses should provide adequate protection from particle projectiles. Normal glasses and contacts will not be enough. Make sure all safety glasses are in good shape and offer clear vision.
In the event of working with larger tools that might generate heat or other further dangers, you need to provide face shields or similar protection.
Prepare treatment - If debris gets in a student's eye, you should contact health officials. In some cases, you can try gently cleaning out the eye with water or an eyewash solution. If this does not work, you should just protect the affected eye with bandages and wait for professional help. It is unwise for teachers or students to remove debris themselves and risk further injury to the eye.
These two classes offer the most potential safety concerns, but eye safety should be considered in any educational experience that involves unique materials and direct student involvement.