Eye injuries are common in many workplaces, with an estimated 2,000 workers suffering from eye injuries every day. While some of these injuries are minor and treated with a simple first aid kit, others can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness. Therefore, necessary steps to take to protect workers' eyesight by providing adequate eye protection safety.
Eye protection is of top priority and the safety eye protection products should meet the European Union (EU) standards to help keep your employees safe and prevent eye injuries. In this blog, we'll consider why eye protection safety is so important and what types of eye protection are available.
Why Is Eye Protection Safety Important?
Eye injuries are caused by a variety of hazards in the workplace, which can cause a range of injuries, from minor irritations to permanent vision loss. The most common types of eye injuries in the workplace include:
- Foreign bodies in the eye
- Chemical burns
- Cuts and punctures
- Thermal burns
- Radiation burns.
Eye injuries cause a significant impact on a worker's quality of life, both personally and professionally. They can result in time off work, medical expenses, and permanent disability. By providing eye protection safety that meets the applicable EN standard, employers can help prevent these injuries and protect their workers' well-being.
What Types of Eye Protection Safety Are Available?
At SAMS SOLUTIONS, we offer a range of safety eye protection products that comply with the applicable EN standard to meet the needs of different workplaces and industries. These include:
- Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are the most common type of safety eye protection and are suitable for various workplace hazards. They are made from impact-resistant materials and can fit with prescription lenses.
- Goggles: Goggles provide better eye protection than safety glasses and are suitable for environments with a higher risk of chemical or dust exposure. They fit snugly around the eyes and can protect from all angles.
- Face Shields: Face shield provides full-face protection from hazards such as flying debris, chemicals, and radiation.
- Welding Helmets: Welding helmets protect from the intense light and heat produced during welding. A dark lens that automatically adjusts to the brightness of the welding arc and protects from flying debris and other hazards.
Choosing the correct safety eye protection depends on the specific hazards in your workplace. Conduct a hazard assessment to determine the type of hazard your workers face and select the appropriate safety eye protection that meets the applicable EN standard accordingly.
EN Standards for Eye Protection
The EN standards for eye protection in the EU are EN 166:2001 and EN 172:1995. EN 166:2001 sets out the requirements for personal eye protection, including optical properties, mechanical strength, and resistance to high-speed particles. EN 172:1995 sets out the requirements for eye protection against sun glare for industrial use.
ANSI Standard for Eye Protection
The ANSI standard for safety eye protection is ANSI Z87.1. This standard sets out the minimum requirements for eye and face protection devices used in a variety of hazardous industrial settings, including construction, manufacturing, and chemical processing.
The standard applies to a range of eye and face protection devices, including safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets, and full-face respirators. It specifies the design, construction, testing, and performance requirements for these devices to ensure that they provide adequate protection against hazards such as impact, dust, chemical splash, and radiation.
One of the key requirements of the ANSI Z87.1 standard is that all eye and face protection devices must be marked with the manufacturer's name and the device's rating or model number. This information allows users to identify the specific device and ensure that it meets the required standards for their particular work environment.
The standard also includes requirements for lens performance, such as optical clarity, impact resistance, and resistance to scratches and fogging. It specifies testing methods for these parameters, as well as for other factors such as lens thickness and frame strength.
Overall, the ANSI Z87.1 standard is designed to ensure that workers are adequately protected from eye and face hazards in a range of industrial settings. By specifying minimum requirements for design, construction, and performance, the standard helps to ensure that safety eyewear provides effective protection against a variety of potential hazards.
SAMS Solutions: Leading provider of high-quality eye protection
The company has established a strong reputation in the market for its commitment to producing top-notch eye protection products that provide superior quality under the brand EMPIRAL®.
EMPIRAL® products are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and durability, ensuring that customers receive the best possible protection for their eyes. The company's products range from safety glasses, goggles, and face shields, which are ideal for use in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
EMPIRAL® eye protection products also offer excellent protection against UV rays, which can cause damage to the eyes over time. The company's lenses are designed to block out harmful UV rays, providing long-term protection for the eyes.
Conclusion
Protecting your workers' eyesight should be a top priority for all employers. By providing adequate safety eye protection that meets the applicable EN and ANSI standards, you can help prevent eye injuries and ensure the well-being of your workers. At SAMS SOLUTIONS, we offer a range of high-quality safety eye protection products that comply with both the applicable EN & ANSI standards to meet the needs of different workplaces and industries.
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