OSHA’s requirements for protecting your eyes and face take up less than two pages of a standard that runs nearly 500 pages.
In those (less than) two pages, you will find:
- Enumerated drawings of eleven types of PPE and what they are called. For example, number 4 is “Spectacles, Metal Frame, with Side Shields” and number 5 is “Spectacles, Plastic Frame, with Side Shields.”
- Table E-1, Applications. This three-column table identifies the operation (e.g., chipping), the hazard (e.g., flying particles), and the recommended PPE (by number, and the preferred PPE are in bold).
- Table E-2, Welding Operations. This two-column table identifies the welding operation and the shade number that should be used. For example, if you’re soldering, you need shade number 2.
- Table E-3, Selecting Laser Safety Glass. This three-column table identifies the intensity, optical density, and attenuation factor.
And of course, there’s the text with the actual regulations. The typical employer of electricians can nearly eliminate any chance of being cited by teaching and enforcing two simple rules:
- You wear safety glasses with side shields at all times on the job unless in a protected area (e.g., lunchroom or office).
- If there is any danger of splash or drops of hazardous chemicals to your face, you wear a face shield.
If you’re an electrician trying to come up with a couple of ways to protect your eyes and face, those same two would do the job.
Adopting these two rules would not protect everyone everywhere from every danger to eye or face, but it would be an excellent start.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.