12 Oct Personal Protection Quiz – Selecting Suitable Eye Protection

Personal Protection Quiz – Selecting Suitable Eye Protection

Choosing the correct eye and face protection depends on the hazards associated with the work being performed. Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields provide different types of protection and are not interchangeable.

Test your knowledge with the following questions.

Question 1 – Grinding

While using an abrasive grinder to dress hand tools, your eyes will be adequately protected from flying particles if you wear only a face shield.

Answer: No.

A face shield provides additional protection for the face but should not be used as a substitute for required primary eye protection. When grinding presents a flying-particle hazard, wear appropriate safety glasses or goggles. A face shield should be worn over the primary eye protection when additional face protection is necessary.

Remember: A face shield supplements eye protection—it does not replace it.

Question 2 – Corrosive Liquids

You are transferring a corrosive liquid chemical from one container to another. You are wearing safety glasses with side shields. Are your eyes adequately protected?

Answer: No.

When there is a splash hazard from corrosive or hazardous liquids, chemical splash goggles that provide appropriate protection around the eyes should be used. Depending on the hazard assessment, a face shield may also be required over the goggles to protect the face.

Always review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and required PPE before handling hazardous chemicals.

Question 3 – Contact Lenses

Because you wear contact lenses, you do not need additional eye protection for most work activities.

Answer: No.

Contact lenses are not protective equipment. Employees who wear contacts must still use the eye and face protection required for the hazards of the task.

Contact lenses generally may be worn in the workplace when appropriate protective eyewear is used, unless a specific hazard, medical restriction, or workplace requirement prohibits their use.

Remember: Contact lenses never replace safety glasses or goggles.

Question 4 – “It Will Only Take a Second”

You cannot find your safety glasses, but your supervisor needs a rush job completed. The task will expose you to flying particles but should take only a few seconds. Should you perform the work without eye protection?

Answer: No.

The length of the task does not eliminate the hazard. If eye protection is required, do not begin the work until the proper PPE is available.

Inform your supervisor and obtain appropriate eye protection before proceeding. Never take a shortcut because a task is urgent or expected to take only a few seconds.

Before Starting the Job

Ask yourself:

• What could strike or enter my eyes?
• Could chemicals, liquids, dust, sparks, or particles be generated?
• Are safety glasses, goggles, or both required?
• Is additional face protection needed?
• Does my eye and face protection properly fit?
• Is it clean and free from cracks, excessive scratches, or other damage?
• Is the protection appropriate for the specific hazard?

If you are unsure which protection is required, stop and ask your supervisor before beginning the task.

Remember

Eye injuries can occur in an instant and may result in permanent vision loss. Select eye and face protection based on the hazard, inspect it before use, and wear it every time it is required—regardless of how quickly the job can be completed.