Page 15 - PPE GUIDELINE

Guidelines on the Use of PPE Against Chemical Hazards

Selection

The selection of the eye and face protection depends primarily on the hazards.
However, comfort, style and durability should also be considered. The table below
provides a selection of the eye and face protection based on the hazard or risks
involved:

Table 2: Eye and Face Protection

SOURCE RISKS PROTECTION

Chemicals Splash Goggles, eyecup and cover
(e.g. acid/alkali handling, types. For severe exposure, use
chemical handling, face shield over primary eye
degreasing, plating) protection

Irritating mists Special-purpose goggles

Dust Nuisance dust Spectacle, goggles, eyecup and
(e.g. Bagging, cover types
woodworking, buffing,
general dusty conditions

For the spectacles’ wearer, eye protection is achieved either by the use of prescription
safety spectacles that are individually matched to the wearer or by the use of specially
designed eye shields that may be worn over the prescription spectacles.

Use

Eye protectors must be provided both for person directly involved or employed, and
others who may come into contact with the process and be at risk from the hazards.
Eye protectors issued on a personal basis and used only by the person they are issued
to. If they are reissued they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Spectacles with side-shields and goggles are considered ‘primary’ eye protectors
(those that can be worn alone or with ‘secondary’ protectors), while face-shields are
termed as ‘secondary’ protectors as they must be worn with a ‘primary’ protector
(3M, 2002).

Maintenance

The lenses of eye protectors are to be kept clean as dirty lenses restrict vision, which
can cause eye fatigue and lead to accidents. Lenses that are scratched or pitted must
be replaced as they may impair vision and their resistance to impact may be impaired.

Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia ™October 2005 15