Hazard Assessment Checklist for Eye Protection

 Does your company need a safety eyewear program?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 (d) states that the employer shall evaluate the workplace to determine if hazards are present which require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If hazards are present, the employer shall:

§        Select and have each employee use the appropriate types of PPE that will protect them from the hazards identified.

§        Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.

 

How do you identify hazards?

Look for the following conditions in your workplace. If the condition exists, please check the box beside it:

 

q     Impact Hazards

The majority of impact injuries result from flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Most of these objects are smaller than a pin head and can cause serious injury such as punctures, abrasions, and contusions. 

 

q     Heat

Heat injuries may occur to the eye and face when workers are exposed to high temperatures, splashes of molten metal, or hot sparks. Protect your eyes from heat when workplace operations involve pouring, casting, hot dipping, furnace operations, and other similar activities. Burns to eye and face tissue are the main concern when working with heat hazards.

 

q     Dust

Dust is present in the workplace during operations such as woodworking and buffing. Working in a dusty environment can cause eye injuries and presents additional hazards to contact lens wearers.  

 

q     Chemicals

These injuries often result from an inappropriate choice of PPE, which allows chemical substance to enter from around or under your eye protection. Serious and irreversible damage can occur when chemical substances contact the eyes in the form of splash, mists, vapors, or fumes.

 

q     Optical Radiation

Radiant energy can cause serious eye injuries, even if exposure occurs for a short period of time. Optical radiation may be in the form of ultraviolet, visible, or infrared light. Infrared or other intense radiant energy may cause eye injuries such as retinal burns. Prolonged exposure to glare, another form of optical radiation, can cause eyestrain and damage vision.

 

Do you have employees performing any of the following tasks?

q     Chipping, grinding, sawing, drilling, sanding, welding, plating, handling chemicals, buffing, working in dusty conditions, brazing, casting, machining, riveting, or performing other similar tasks.

 

Are you aware that the new ANSI Z87.1-2003 now indicates two levels of protection for lenses: High Impact and Basic Impact? If you checked the "Impact Hazards" box, please be sure to require High Impact protection for your employees.

If you have checked any of the boxes, you must have a safety eyewear program!

Call 800-446-1802 and ask for Customer Care.

We will help design a program specific to your needs.