Eye Protection For Infection Control

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eye protection for a variety of potential exposure conditions where workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via eye exposure. Infectious diseases can be transmitted by several mechanisms, that include infections which can be introduced through the mucous membranes of the eye (conjunctiva). The infectious agents include viruses and bacteria than can cause conjunctivitis (e.g., adenovirus, herpes simplex, Staphylococcus aureus) and viruses that can cause systemic infections, including blood borne viruses (e.g. hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus), herpes vi-ruses, and rhinoviruses. They are introduced to the eye either directly (e.g., blood splashes, respiratory droplets generated during coughing or suctioning) or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or other objects.

Eye protection provides a barrier to infectious materials entering the eye and is often used in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and masks or respirators. The eye protection chosen for specific work situations depends upon the circumstances of exposure, other PPE used, and personal vision needs. There is wide variety in the types of protective eyewear, and appropriate selection should be based on a number of factors, the most important of which is the nature and extent of the hazard.

Eye protection must be comfortable and allow for sufficient peripheral vision and must be adjustable to ensure a secure fit. It may be necessary to provide several different types, styles, and sizes. Selection of protective eyewear appropriate for a given task should be made from an evaluation of each activity, including regulatory requirements when applicable. These hazard assessments require a clear understanding of the work tasks, including knowledge of the potential routes of exposure and the
opportunities for exposure in the task assessed (nature and extent of worker contact). Exposure incident reports should be reviewed to identify those incidents (whether or not infection occurred) that could have been prevented by the proper use of protective eyewear. Common eye protection devices include goggles, face shield, safety glass and full-face respirators.

Employees’ training on the eye protection devices shall include the following: proper use, use in conjunction with other PPE, removal of potentially contaminated eye protection devices, and disinfectant of reusable eye protection.

Potential Eye Hazard Examples in the Workplace

The following are potential eye hazards in the workplace.

• Hammering, grinding, sanding, and masonry work that may produce particles
• Handling chemicals may lead to splashes in the eye
• Wet or powdered cement in the eye can cause a chemical burn
• Welding leads to exposure to arcs and flashes (intense UV radiation) for welders, helpers, and bystanders
• Dusty or windy conditions can lead to particles in the eye
• Eye injuries can result from simply passing through an area where work is being performed
• Coworkers around or above you may generate the hazard

Types of eye protection:

1. Safety glass resemble normal eye-glasses but have lenses that have a much higher degree impact resistance.
2. Safety goggle surround the entire eye area providing a greater level of protection than safety glasses and should fit around prescription glasses. Some goggles also protect eyes from vapors.
3. Face shield cover the entire face. They are used when larger quantities of hazardous materials are being used.

Source: www.CDC.gov