Importance of Eye Protection
Eye injuries are among the most preventable incidents on construction sites. Irreversible harm can occur instantly due to hazards such as airborne debris, dust, chemical splashes, or sparks generated during grinding operations.
Potential causes of eye injuries include:
- Airborne particles resulting from grinding, cutting, drilling, or chipping
- Dust and silica exposure
- Chemical splashes from materials such as concrete, solvents, and coatings
- Exposure to welding arcs and light radiation
- Wind-driven debris
- Pressurized systems or pneumatic tools
These hazards are frequently encountered during routine operations. The majority of eye injuries occur due to the following reasons:
- Failure to wear safety glasses
- Utilization of incorrect protective equipment
- Omission of face shields when necessary
- Removing protective eyewear, even briefly
It is essential to note: Standard prescription glasses do not qualify as safety glasses.
Requirements
- On Encore projects, ANSI Z87.1-compliant safety glasses must be worn at all times on site.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be suitable for the specific task.
- Additional protective devices (face shields, goggles, welding hoods) must be employed as necessary for particular hazards.
- Eye protection requirements are determined by the hazards present, not by personal comfort or convenience.
Face Shields Required (In Addition to Safety Glasses) When:
- Grinding operations
- Cutting metal or masonry
- Utilizing powder-actuated tools
- Chipping or chiseling tasks
- Overhead drilling
A face shield does NOT serve as a substitute for safety glasses—it is used in conjunction with them.
Goggles Required When:
- Handling hazardous chemicals
- Working with concrete or masonry where splash hazards exist
- Conducting dust-generating operations (e.g., dry cutting, sanding)
- Performing spray applications
Common Scenarios
- Performing overhead work where dust may fall into the eyes
- Removing safety glasses due to fogging issues
- Using tinted lenses indoors
- Employing damaged or scratched lenses
- Failing to upgrade PPE as work tasks change
If the nature of the task changes, PPE must be reassessed and updated accordingly.
Prior to commencing work, consider the following:
- What potential hazards could affect my eyes?
- Does this activity require enhanced eye protection beyond basic safety glasses?
- Is the eyewash station readily accessible?
- Am I equipped with the appropriate protective equipment?
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Which tasks being conducted today might present risks of flying debris or splash hazards?
- Do any current activities require the use of face shields or goggles in addition to safety glasses?
- Where is the nearest eyewash station relative to the present work area?