| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
“American Academy of Ophthalmology urges making eye health part of a daily work wellness routine,” according to an article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The article goes on to state that each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment [1]. However, 90% of these accidents can be avoided by wearing eye protection [2].
So what does this mean to those of us working in clinical diagnostic laboratories? Since October is National Eye Injury Prevention Month, I would like to explore eye safety in the laboratory as there are a variety of hazards that are unique to the work we do.
I am often asked why personal glasses can’t be used for protection when working in the laboratory, and what makes safety glasses so special? Personal glasses are not constructed to meet the regulatory requirements for impact, chemical, and other specific-hazards protection that personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to meet. PPE provides a protective barrier between the wearer and the hazard. Personal glasses also do not provide side protection. Manufacturers of personal protective equipment must adhere to the requirements for materials of construction and resistance to hazards (such as impact and chemicals). The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) have established standards for safety eyewear. Per Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) requirements, protective eye- and face-protection devices must comply with any of the following consensus standards, including side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects:
Now, let’s take a look at hazards in the laboratory. Have you ever been aliquoting a urine specimen and had it splash to your eyes and face? How about a broken shard of glass that flew into your eye? Have you seen someone pouring off some hazardous waste that splashed back into the person's face? Have you heard of a dry-ice fragment bouncing under a laboratory technician’s safety glasses and into his/her eye? Have you ever rubbed your eye with a gloved hand while working in the lab? Splashes, sprays, aerosols, lacerations, and particulates are common issues within laboratories.
Common types of eye hazards within the laboratory:
Wow—that’s a lot to consider! What can you do?
Don’t take a chance with your vision. Be knowledgeable of the hazards, always wear your protective eyewear in anticipation of a hazard, and help educate your colleagues on how to keep their eyes safe in the lab. By the way, don’t forget your other PPE—that’s important too.
And don’t ignore eye protection when you leave work. Injuries can occur during sports and leisure activities as well as home and vehicle maintenance. Show your loved ones how much you care about them by providing eye protection for their favorite hobbies and sports.
To help you find out more about safety eyewear and injury prevention, below are some suggested resources that are free of charge (but also be sure to refer to your accrediting organization for information and requirements):
October is a busy month for a variety of safety observances, so I am working on another blog post for National Fire Prevention Week to share with you soon.
