Exercise
Eye and Face Protection | Hazard Identification and Emergency Response
EXERCISE #2
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Target Audience: Employees who are potentially exposed to eye hazards
Exercise Objective: Understand how to assess potential eye hazards in the workplace and what to do in an
emergency
Instructions: Answer the following questions. Bring a copy of your company’s Eye and Face
Protection Program for reference.
1. What types of hazards cause eye injuries?
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2. What are some of the major causes of eye injuries at a workplace?
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3. What possible eye hazards are in your workplace?
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4. What would you do if you experienced the following eye injuries?
a. Particles in the Eye
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b. Chemical Splashes or Burns
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c. Light Burns
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d. Blow to the Eye
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e. Penetrating Object in the Eye
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f. Cuts Near the Eye
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Exercise
Eye and Face Protection | Hazard Identification and Emergency Response
ANSWERS
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Sample eye PPE diagram:
1. In recent studies, 70% of eye accidents resulted from flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye.
Injured workers estimated that nearly three-fifths of the objects were smaller than a pin head.
2. Not wearing eye protection. Nearly three out of every five workers injured were not wearing eye protection at
the time of the accident. Wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job.
3. A hazard assessment should determine the risk of exposure to eye and face hazards, including those which
may be encountered in an emergency.
Types of hazards are:
 Impact—Examples are flying objects such as large chips, fragments, particles, sand, and dirt
 Heat—Anything emitting extreme heat
 Chemicals—Splashes, fumes, vapors, and irritating mists
 Dust—Harmful dust
 Optical Radiation—Radiant energy, glare, and intense light
Once the hazard has been determined, the appropriate eye and face protection can be matched to the hazard
4. Handling Emergencies
If an eye injury occurs, quick action can prevent a permanent disability.
For this reason:
 Emergency eyewashes should be placed in all hazardous areas.
 First-aid instructions should be posted close to potential danger spots.
 Know where the closest eyewash station is and how to get there with restricted
vision.
Most eye injuries need prompt medical attention. While help is on the way, however,
you can help by calming and reassuring the victim and providing appropriate first aid. A
quick response to an eye injury can make the difference between a speedy recovery
and permanently impaired vision.
a. Particles in the Eye
 Do not rub the eye.
 Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid, and let tears wash out the particle.
 If that does not work, flush the eye with water until the particle comes out.
 If the particle still does not wash out, or if pain or redness continues, bandage the eye lightly and get
medical attention.
Exercise
Eye and Face Protection | Hazard Identification and Emergency Response
ANSWERS (continued)
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b. Chemical Splashes or Burns
 Hold the eye open and use the emergency eyewash to flush with water for at least 15 minutes.
 Call for emergency medical assistance.
 Check the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for information about the chemical and supply this
information to emergency medical personnel.
c. Light Burns
 You may not feel anything for up to a day.
 Then you may experience a gritty sensation, light sensitivity, redness, or swelling.
 Keep eyes closed and get medical attention.
d. Blow to the Eye
 Apply a cold compress without pressure for 15 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
 Get medical attention at once if pain continues or if vision is affected.
e. Penetrating Object in the Eye
 Call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
 Do not remove, move, or put pressure on the object.
 Immobilize the object by placing a paper cup or soft, bulky dressing around the object and securing it in
place with a bandage.
 Bandage both eyes so that the victim will keep the injured eye still.
f. Cuts Near the Eye
 Bandage loosely and get medical attention.
 Don’t rub the eye.