In high-risk industries like aerospace, chemical plants, or manufacturing, employees’ eyes can be particularly vulnerable when working. Field workers in these industries face various hazards daily, from exposure to harmful substances to multiple types of debris.
A recent study from the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore highlighted that personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically approved safety goggles/ spectacles, is necessary in the workplace. This is because most eye injuries happen at work.
Safety goggles/ spectacles are among the best protections for workers’ eyes. They are designed with features like impact-resistant lenses and secure fits to shield the eyes from substances, debris, and other impacts that can cause serious injuries.
This article will discuss more about safety goggles/ spectacles and why this equipment is needed in high-risk industries.
Hazards in Aerospace, Chemical, and Manufacturing Industries
Hazards are common in every workplace, but in high-risk industries, they are doubled. Knowing these hazards in specific industries will help you better understand why implementing protective strategies is crucial.
Let’s explore the dangers in these high-risk industries and recognize the role of safety goggles/ spectacles in enhancing workers’ safety in each field.
Hazards in the Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is known for its precision and use of advanced technologies. However, this advancement also requires workers to work with hazardous materials that can harm their eyes.
For instance, the machining or assembly process exposes field workers to metal fragments. If their eyes are not protected, the debris from this process could pose potential risks and injuries. Another risk that they could encounter is exposure to UV radiation from welding or other high-intensity light sources.
Additionally, chemical splashes from lubricants and cleaning agents also increase the risk of potential eye damage.
Hazards in Chemical Plants
The hazard in this industry type is evident from its name already: chemicals. People working in this field are at high risk of exposure to different kinds of hazardous substances that can cause immediate and severe damage to the eyes.
Other risks in chemical plants include corrosive materials and toxic fumes, which are equally or even more damaging than chemical substances.
Hazards in the Manufacturing Industry
Diverse manufacturing processes could threaten workers’ health and safety. Common risks they could face are flying debris from cutting, grinding, or other machining operations, dust particles from production, and chemical splashes from solvents, paints, or cleaning agents.
How Safety Goggles/ Spectacles Protect Against Specific Hazards
In high-risk workplaces, wearing safety glasses is more than just a privilege. It’s every worker’s right. In fact, in Singapore, there is an additional layer of assurance: the SS 473:2011 standard. This policy ensures that all eye protection must meet the safety requirements for industrial use.
This fact shows why every employer must prioritize giving their employees appropriate safety goggles/ spectacles to protect their eyes from possible harm.
However, to understand the most suitable eye protection in a specific industry, one must know that there are different types of safety goggles/ spectacles. They are not one-size-fits-all.
Below are some common types of safety goggles, each designed to provide comprehensive protection against chemical, impact, and other dangers.
- Impact-resistant goggles protect eyes from flying debris and particles. The 3M Safety Goggle Gear 500 series is an excellent impact-resistant product. It offers robust protection, a comfortable fit, and anti-fog lenses.
- Chemical-resistant goggles are commonly used in chemical plants and laboratories to protect eyes against splashes, fumes, and other toxic substances.
- Dust-resistant goggles prevent fine particles from entering the eyes. These goggles are recommended in the woodworking and manufacturing industries.
- UV protection goggles protect workers’ eyes from harmful UV radiation or intense light sources.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Safety Goggles/ Spectacle
There are several factors that one must consider when choosing safety goggles/spectacles. Here are some notes to consider:
- Lens Material: You can choose from these three common lenses depending on your needs:
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- Polycarbonate lens: Lightweight yet with impact resistance features.
- Acrylic Lens: Provides more optical clarity but less resistance to impact.
- NXT Polyurethane Lens: Combination of superior visual clarity and high impact resistance.
- Lens Coating: The most common coatings are anti-fog, scratch-resistant, and UV protection.
- Comfort and Fit: Pick a safety spectacle with adjustable straps and foam or silicone padding. This will ensure comfort and close the gaps, guaranteeing that even small debris cannot enter the goggles. You can check out this 3M SecureFit Eyewear 300 series, which offers excellent comfort and protection.
- Inspect for Wear and Tear: Most safety goggles/ spectacles are not one-time use. However, they are also not meant to be used forever. If you’re buying a new one, check for any damage. But, if you already have one, regularly inspect the goggles and replace them immediately if the lenses are scratched or the straps are already loose.
Proper Usage and Maintenance of Safety Goggles/ Spectacles
It is not enough to have suitable safety goggles/ spectacles in place.
Employers must also educate their workers on the hazards associated with their work and the importance of eye safety to maximize the protective benefits of the goggles/ spectacles.
How? Through comprehensive training programs related to the subject.
Equipping the workers with appropriate PPE and information will lower the possibility of them committing common mistakes, like wearing goggles/ spectacles on the forehead or not securing straps properly. Effective training programs also help workers self-identify risk and encourage them to protect themselves and their colleagues.
Another good practice is having safety managers conduct regular assessments and continuously update potential hazards and safety strategies. They will also inspect the safety goggles/ spectacles’ conditions and identify the pieces that need replacement.
Real-Life Incidents Highlighting the Importance of Safety Goggles/ Spectacles
Real-life incidents are the most convincing stories highlighting the importance of adequately using safety goggles/ spectacles at high-risk workplaces. For instance, a manufacturing worker could have severe eye damage if he does not wear safety goggles/ spectacles when debris strikes his goggles/ spectacles instead of his eye. The impact-resistant lenses of the spectacles absorb the force, which could directly hit his eyes without them, leading to potential life-long eye damage.
Another instance could be a chemist being saved from chemical burns when a splash guard on his goggles protected his eyes during a spill.
Moreover, a National Library Medicine study in Singapore indicated that many industrial-related accidents require ophthalmic consultation. Though the majority of eye injuries are minor, these incidents could have been prevented if employers and employees strictly adhered to wearing well-fitting safety goggles/ spectacle.
These instances highlight why workers and employers must consistently comply with safety standards and prioritise regular safety training for everyone. All these proactive measures are needed to protect workers’ health and well-being in the workplace.
Prioritizing Eye Protection in High-Risk Industries in Singapore
Eye protection should always be a top priority, especially in high-risk industries. It is crucial to safeguard workers’ eyesight, which is more than necessary to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively. As is constantly mentioned, safety goggles/ spectacles are the critical piece to ensure eye safety.
However, just any safety goggles/ spectacles alone are insufficient; they should follow the safety standards set in Singapore and be from a trusted 3M authorized distributor, like Lim Kim Hai Electric.
We are Singapore’s leading supplier and one-stop shop for safety solutions and accessories. We offer many products, including top-notch safety goggles/ spectacles, to meet your eye safety needs. We are certified by 3M Singapore, so we guarantee you the best eye protection in the country.
