Save Your Vision Week: Keeping Your Eyes Protected

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day approximately 2000 workers in the U.S. incur an on-the-job eye emergency that necessitates medical treatment. From flying bits of materials that abrade the eye to larger objects that cause blunt trauma to chemical splashes and burns, the eyes are vulnerable to damage and infection. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states, “the best way to prevent injury to the eye is to always wear the appropriate eye protection.”

Safety eyewear runs the gamut from glasses to goggles to helmets, with features that vary according to the type of work performed. For example, side shields may be sufficient for some workers while full face protection may be required for others. For tasks that involve flying fragments such as masonry or machining, safety glasses, goggles, or face shields may be adequate if their eye protector impact levels are correct. For those working with chemicals, goggles or face shields offer a better defense against splashes. Face shields are typically worn in addition to protective glasses or goggles.

When choosing the best type of safety eyewear for your application, conduct a job hazard analysis first. This may help you determine if you need other equipment—such as hoods and signage—in addition to personal protective equipment. OSHA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) establish guidelines and testing criteria for safety eyewear, specifying impact levels and resistance.

Cole-Parmer offers several options for safety eyewear:

Uvex® Laser Goggles (Helium Neon) are ANSI Z136.1-1986, Z87.1-2003-compliant and offer superior side protection. Their UVExtreme® coating reduces fogging, scratches and static.

Allsafe SMC MonoShield Face Shield is a combination of goggles and face shield to provide both primary and secondary eye protection. The lens gives you distortion-free vision. Compliant with ANSI Z87.1+ (High impact), CSA Z94.3, SEI certified.

The  Sperian®  Protecto-Shield® Shield provides protection from liquid splashes, sparks, and impact. The SnapLokHead Gear features adjustable ratchet suspension and tension knob for precise sizing and visor positioning. Splash drip edge redirects splashing or spraying fluids. Model 81690-10 is heat-resistant to temperatures up to 220°F; model 81690-20 withstands temperatures up to 280°F.

 Disclaimer: Cole-Parmer products are not approved or intended for, and should not be used for medical, clinical, surgical or other patient-oriented applications.

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