Eye injuries account for one-quarter of all
welding injuries, making them by far the most common injury for welders. Those
most at risk for welding-related eye injuries are workers in industries that
produce industrial and commercial machinery, computer equipment, and fabricated
metal products.
The best way to control eye injuries is
also the most simple: proper selection and use of eye protection. Helmets alone
do not offer enough protection. Welders should wear goggles or safety glasses
with side shields that comply with ANSI Z87.1 under welding helmets and always
wear goggles or other suitable eye protection when gas welding or oxygen
cutting. Goggles provide better protection than safety glasses from impact,
dust, and radiation hazards.
Unfortunately, workers don't always wear
goggles or safety glasses because of low perception of risk, poorly maintained
lenses, discomfort, having to wear prescription lenses underneath, and vanity.
It is important to stress to workers that welding-related eye injuries come
from a number of sources, including:
Mechanical
damage from being struck by flying particles and chipped slag
Radiation
and photochemical burns from ultraviolet radiation (UVR), infrared radiation,
and intense blue light
Irritation
and chemical burns from fumes and chemicals
To help in reducing eye injuries, you
should educate workers about all of the dangers they face and should implement
an eye protection plan that outlines proper welding behaviour.
Looking for welding safety goggles or glasses? L&A Safety has a wide range of PPE. Visit them in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson or take a look at the website today!
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