Eye and Face Protection

November 2020 Safety Topic

Approximately 2000 eye injuries occur every day at work in the United States. Common causes of eye injuries sustained on the job include flying particles of dust, swinging objects such as ropes and chains, splashes from chemicals, fumes and electrical sparks.

To prevent eye and face injuries, it is important that employees are aware of potential hazards in their work environment and select the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) before beginning a task.

CUIMC is responsible for training on the use of eye and face protection, what PPE to use, how to put it on and adjust it, and removal of eye and face PPE.

Safety eye and face protection includes non-prescription safety glasses, goggles, and face shields. Safety eyewear must have Z87 or Z87+ marked on the frame and in some cases the lens. 

When should you wear safety glasses?

  • Wear safety glasses with side shields as protection from flying particles or objects.

When should you wear safety goggles?

  • Wear safety goggles for higher impact protection, greater particle protection, or protection from splashes from chemicals or other liquids.

When should you use a face shield?

  • Face shields should be used for even higher impact protection and to protect the face in addition to the eyes. Face shields should always be used over safety glasses or goggles.

Don't forget to inspect eye and face protectors before using them to check for damage such as pitted or scratched lenses or face shield windows, or knotted or worn goggle straps.  

For more information or questions about eye injury prevention, please speak with your supervisor or contact the Campus Life Safety and Regulatory Compliance team.