Eye Protection Programme: Identification, Elimination and Control Of Ocular Hazards: Part II

Implementation of the programme

It is important that the eye protection programme is carried out correctly; incorrect administration could result in a work environment that is more hazardous than that found initially. Depending on the findings of the plant survey the following actions may be necessary:

1. Elimination or control of ocular hazards.
2. Provision of eye protectors. These must be personally issued to make sure that they fit correctly and they must be the correct type for the task involved.
3. Area where ocular hazards exist and where eye protection must be worn should be marked clearly. They may be designated by lines painted on the floor or by warning signs placed in prominent positions. There are four categories of safety signs and notices according to the type of message: (i) prohibition; (ii) mandatory (iii) warning; and (iv) safe condition. Each category has its own distinctive shape and color. Provisions must be made for eye protectors to be readily available for visitors to the hazardous area.
4. First aid facilities. These should be set up so that immediate medical attention can be provided. All employees should be made aware of the first aid centers and they should be clearly signposted. Other emergency equipment that is required in hazardous work areas should be easily accessible, for example water fountains in chemical factories.
5. Lens cleaning stations should be made available. These should contain cleaning solutions, anti-fog solutions and clean clothes with which to wipe the eye protectors. Such stations are necessary to prevent cleaning with the first means available to the employee, often an oily rag. This will smear the lenses, making matters worse not better and the employee may then remove the eye protectors to see more clearly, leaving the eyes unprotected.
6. A safety committee be formed, which includes employee representatives.
7. Employees should be educated about the hazards involved in their jobs and the need for eye protection. Films, posters and lectures, especially concerning the ocular consequences of failing to use eye protection, are very useful in impressing the importance of wearing eye protectors where necessary.

Explanations of the initial symptoms that may be experienced when wearing eye protectors, especially by non-spectacle wearers should be given. Problems such as a restricted field of view, reflection and aberrations from the lenses and magnification, should be discussed. Accident record sheets should be kept at the first aid center. Anyone requiring treatment should have the following details recorded:

1. How the injury occurred;
2. The cause of the accident;
3. Where the injury occurred;
4. Whether eye protection being worn and if it should have been, but was not, why not?
5. The mechanical condition of the machine or tools used;
6. Apparent injury to eye;
7. Time and date of injury.

It is important to avoid suggesting blame in the questions. The above information is necessary for several reasons:

1. Insurance purpose and any claims for compensation by the employee.
2. Accident data collection and analysis.
3. A re-evaluation of the eye protection programme.

Maintenance of the programme

The maintenance of the programme is essential for continued safety and cost-effectiveness. It may involve:

1. Assessing new manufacturing processes and their potential hazards.
2. Continuing education and training for the employees.
3. Maintenance of lens cleaning and first aid facilities.
4. Vision screening, which should be carried out at regular intervals to maintain the necessary standard of vision.
5. Maintaining an active safety committee so that the employees can suggest methods of improving the safety of their environment.
6. Maintenance of stocks of replacement eye protectors. Employee's should be informed as to the location of these supplies, which should be readily available. Any adjustments to the fitting of the eye protectors should be carried out by trained personnel to provide maximum comfort and protection. Frame heaters, screwdrivers, etc. should be available for the adjustment and maintenance of the eye protectors.
7. Recognition of employee achievements regarding their efforts to maintain and create a safer environment.

Back To: Part I

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