Women Must Take Steps to Avoid Vision Loss

According to a new study publishes on Prevent Blindness America’s website, women are much more susceptible to vision loss, including blindness than are men. This is mainly attributed to longevity (women generally have a longer life expectancy than men) but also to hormonal factors. In fact, studies done by Prevent Blindness America (PBA) and the National Eye Institute (NEI) show that “of the more than 3.6 million Americans age 40 and older who suffer from visual impairment, including blindness, 2.3 million are women.”

Prevent Blindness America provides tips for women to keep their eyes healthy:

Get an Eye Exam- All women should make regular eye exams part of their health routine. PBA recommends everyone receive a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, if not earlier, and follow up care as recommended by an eye care professional.

Know Your Family History- Genetics plays a key role in eye disease. Research your familys health history and notify your eye care professional of any eye diseases that run in the family.

Eat Healthy- A diet rich in beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can also help guard against vision loss from eye disease.

Take Supplements- Antioxidants have been shown to actually reduce the progression of some eye illnesses, including AMD. Vitamin A, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin C and zinc are good sources to help maintain eye health. Consult your physician before taking any vitamins or supplements.

Quit Smoking- Smoking, even second-hand smoke, increases the risk of eye disease.

Wear UV Eye Protection- When venturing outdoors,PBA recommends wearing brimmed hats in conjunction with UV-rated sunglasses (labeled: absorbs 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays). UV rays are extremely dangerous to the eyes and have been linked to the development of cataracts and AMD later in life.

For more information on womens eye health, including fact sheets on eye diseases, pregnancy and vision, and the safe use of cosmetics, call 1-800-331-2020.

Don’t just wear safety glasses at work

Most of us know to wear safety glasses at work. In many cases it’s mandatory. We get to work and donning the PPE is part of the daily routine.

Here’s a tip though… Of the 2.5 million eye injuries that happen each year in the US, 50% occur at home.

The fact of the matter is that the reasons why safety eyewear makes sense at work also applies at home. So why aren’t we wearing eyewear when we are working around the house?

1. We don’t have safety glasses at home. We wear them at work because the company provides them. Chances are however, at home we just keep forgetting to buy a pair so we don’t have them when we need them. Solution: Go online now and purchase a pair! Do it now and they’ll be there next time you need them. Wait and you’ll probably forget and they won’t be there next time you start up that chain saw or weed wacker. Better yet, purchase more than one pair (See next tip)
2. The glasses aren’t readily available. You know that you’ve got a pair of safety glasses somewhere but right at the time when you’re about to start up the table saw you can’t for the life of you remember where you left them. Rather than stop what you’re doing to go look for them you tell yourself that it’ll just take a second and that you’ll be careful (like that’s going to make a difference when that piece of debris comes flying at your eye at 250 mph!) Solution: Purchase several pair of safety glasses. Use them and leave them where you work so they’ll be where you need them when you need them. If you only have one pair, you’ll use it while gardening and leave it with the gardening stuff so that, when you start up the table saw the glasses won’t be around. Get several pair and leave a pair with the gardening stuff, one in the tool shop, etc… If they are there, you’ll more than likely put them on.
3. They are comfortable – We have a saying in the safety industry… “the best PPE is the PPE that workers will wear!” If it isn’t comfortable, they aren’t going to want to wear it. Solution: The only reason why safety glasses might not be comfortable is because you haven’t found the right pair. Safety glasses don’t need to be and shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Try on several pair and find the right ones (the right ones don’t pinch or put too much pressure on the temples. Pay attention to the eyelashes. They shouldn’t brush against the lens).
4. They fog up – Many eye injuries occur while the worker’s glasses are on the top of his or her head because the glasses were fogging up. Solution: Pay a little more for anti-fog protective coating.

Don’t be a statistic! Don’t be safe at work and stupid at home. Wear safety glasses at home whenever you are using power tools or doing work that might potentially result in an eye injury.

Edge Safety Eyewear Sheds Light on Lens Tints

What’s the difference between a yellow lens and an amber lens? Which should I choose for which application? What about the difference between a regular yellow lens and a polarized yellow?

I’d love to tell you that because we sell eyewear every day we’ve got all this memorized but I can’t because we haven’t. I can, however, do you one better… instead of calling us for the information, have a look at the Light Transmission section of the Edge Safety Eyewear website.

Here’s a screen capture of what you’ll find:

This particular screen capture is for the clear lens. Notice that it gives you the amount of each color that reaches your eye as well as the total amount of light that gets through. Below you’re also given the best application for that particular lens tint. If you were on their website, you could click on the next color which is yellow and you’d get the following information:

The first thing that you notice is that the biggest difference is on the bottom end of the light spectrum with violet going from 57.36% in the clear version down to 14.04% in the yellow tint.

I’ll let you click on the others and have a look for yourself. A very cool website when it comes to learning about safety glasses.

Oh, and while you’re there, have a look at the other tabs under the “Light Management” section. You’ll find a lot of other cool stuff that’s pretty high tech.

Who knew that learning about safety eyewear could be so much fun?

Ergonomic Tips of the Week # 31

Eye Exercises. Take your pen and hold it at arm’s length. Focus on the pencil with your eyes. Then slowly move the pen in towards the eyes until the pen gets blurry. Close your eyes and take a deep breath (relax). Move the pen back to arm’s length and open your eyes. Repeat 5 times.

Note: For a good article on eye strain, check out the EHS Today website “Eye Strain No Longer Limited to Hours of Computer Viewing”

The ergonomic tip of the day is provided by Ken Oswald at SafetyCommunity.com

Making Sense of the new Eye/Face Protection Standard

In case you hadn’t heard, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) approved a new Z87.1 standard.

The new standard, Z87.1-2010 attempts to cover more ground, extending the standard to cover more in the nature of hazards that relate to eye and face protection. The changes are pretty broad and change the nature of the standard substantially. Because of this, the markings on protective eyewear has also changed.

Need help understanding and deciphering the new standard? Fortunately for us, MSA has done a great job doing just that with a new whitepaper entitled “ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010: Frequently Asked

Questions about the New Standard”

You can download the whitepaper for free from the MSA assetlibrary by clicking here.

ANSI Z87 and Z87+… What’s the difference?

No, that little number Z87 on the inside of the arm of your safety glasses is not the part number (We get at least 2 or 3 calls a month from customers who give us the Z87 number, believing it to be the part number of the glasses that they are holding), it’s the number that lets you know that the glasses you are holding are rated and pass the Z87 standard from ANSI for eye protection.

You may have noticed, however, that recently the Z87 sometimes has a little “+” sign after it. What does that mean?

Since 2003, the ANSI Standard for eye protection began adding a new rating, or rather dividing the standard in two: high impact (Z87+) and basic impact (Z87).

Z87+ or High impact standard glasses must pass a much more stringent set of tests than the basic or Z87 impact standard.

Z87+ glasses must pass the “high mass” test which consists of dropping a 500 gram pointed weight from a height of about 5 feet onto the lens. It also must pass the test of having a ¼” steel ball shot at the lens. The velocity varies which the product (glasses = 102 mph from a distance of 150′, goggles = 170 mph from a distance of 250′ and 205 mph from a distance of 300ft).

The bottom line is that the high impact standard (the Z87+) offers much better protection. If you are going to wear eye protection it may certainly be worth your while to get the added protection.

The Basics of Eyewash (Part 4)

Understanding the standard

The ANSI standard concerning eyewash (Z358.1-2009) specifies that a “flushing fluid” should be used to flush out particles and contaminants. The fluid can be potable water, buffered water or saline solution, depending on the type of eyewash that is used.

The standard further specifies that it must provide a continuous, low-pressure stream for a minimum of 15 minutes. This time duration is important especially when chemicals are involved because the fluid doesn’t neutralize, it only dilutes. Plenty of fluid is needed to adequately dilute and flush away hazardous chemicals. If an eyewash station is going to service an area where extremely hazardous chemicals are going to be used, you might consider a longer flushing time and therefore more fluid.

Eyewash vs. Shower

Drench showers are not to be used in lieu of eyewash stations. Drench showers are high-pressure and are intended to flush the skin, not the eyes. There are combination eyewash/drench showers that can be used to handle both, but a shower should not be the primary eyewash station.

Specifications

If you are installing a plumbed eyewash station, it is important that you follow the ANSI standard. The standard specifies that the nozzles should be 33-45″ off the ground and at least 6″ away from the wall or from any other obstruction. Furthermore, the eyewash needs to be able to be activated in 1 second and run for 15 minutes at least without the user having to keep his or her hand on the lever or valve. Plumbed units need to be tested on a weekly basis in order to make sure that there are no obstructions as well as to flush out the water that has been sitting in the pipes so that bacteria doesn’t build up.

Temperature – The fluid should be tepid which means that it should be between 16-38°C (60-100°F). In order to maintain that temperature, a mixing valve may be required.

Conclusion:

Whichever eyewash you choose, it is important to make sure that you read all the information related to that particular eyewash station. It should tell you most of what you need to know in order to be compliant. If you are unsure about the type or need or location of eyewashes in your facility, call a safety professional. Many manufacturers or safety distributors will provide a rep who can do a walk-through and give you a detailed information about where you would need to install an eyewash station and which one would be best suited. Eyewash stations are a relatively simple and inexpensive investment that can pay off big when it saves someone their sight.

The Basics of Eyewash (Part 3)

Eye/Face Wash Equipment (Section 6)

• Emergency eye/ face wash equipment must be constructed of materials resistant to corrosion (Section 6.1.5).
  
• The flushing fluid it delivers must be at a flow that is will not injure the user (Section 6.1.1)
  
• It should be protected from airborne contaminants (Section 6.1.3)
  

Critical Dimensions

• 33″–45″ from the nozzles to the surface the user stands (Section 6.4.4)
  
• Nozzles must also be at least 6″ away from a wall or any type of obstruction (Section 6.4.4)
  
• An eyewash gauge should be utilized to assess the flow pattern. See Illustration 3c on page 21 of ANSI Z358.1-2004 for exact dimensions. (Section 6.1.7)
  

Performance and Maintenance Criteria

• Minimum Flushing fluid of 3 GPM at 30 PSI for 15 minutes (Section 6.1.6)
  
• Valve should easily activate in a second or less and remain open on its own until it is intentionally turned off (Section 6.2)
  
• If the potential for freezing conditions, product specifically designed to avoid freezing should be utilized (Section 6.4.5)
  
• Plumbed units should be activated long enough on a weekly basis to be sure flushing fluid is provided (Section 6.5.2)
  
• Self-contained units do not require activation, but require a visual inspection to verify adequate flushing fluid is available (Section 6.5.3)
  

 

Combination Units (Section 7)

Showers, eyewashes, eye/face washes, and drench hoses all can be utilized in Combination Units. The requirements of each of these types of product categories must be met when utilized with other categories of emergency equipment (Section 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4). All the emergency equipment on a Combination Unit must be able to be used simultaneously by the same individual (7.4.4).

Critical Dimensions

Refer to the shower, eyewash, eye/face wash, and drench hose sections of this document or the ANSI standard for applicable dimensions.

Performance and Maintenance Criteria

• Refer to Sections 4, 5, 6, and 8.2.2 for valve information (Section 7.2)
  
• If the potential for freezing conditions, product specifically designed to avoid freezing should be utilized (Section 7.4.4)
  
• Plumbed units should be activated long enough on a weekly basis to ensure flushing fluid is provided (Section 7.5.2)
  
• Self-contained units do not require activation, but require a visual inspection to verify the adequate flushing fluid is available (Section 7.5.3)
  

 

(Taken from “A Guide to the ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard for Emergency Eyewashes and Shower Equipment” available from the Bradley website here.)

The Basics of Eyewash (Part 2)

Requirements by Emergency Equipment Product Category

 

Plumbed and Self-Contained Eyewash Equipment (Section 5)

• Emergency eyewash equipment must be constructed of materials resistant to corrosion (Section 5.1.5).
  
• The flushing fluid it delivers must be at a flow that is non-injurious to the user (Section 5.1.1)
  
• It should be protected from airborne contaminants (Section 5.1.3).
  

 

Critical Dimensions:

• 33″–45″ from the nozzles to the surface the user stands (Section 5.4.4)
  
• Nozzles must also be at least 6″ away from a wall or any type of obstruction (Section 5.4.4)
  
• An eyewash gauge should be utilized to assess the flow pattern. See Illustration 3c on page 21 of ANSI Z358.1-2004 for exact dimensions. (Section 4.1.5)
  

 

Performance and Maintenance Criteria

• Minimum Flushing fluid of .4 GPM at 30 PSI for 15 minutes (Section 5.1.6)
  
• Valve should easily activate in a second or less and remain open on its own until it is intentionally turned off (Section 5.2)
  
• If the potential for freezing conditions, product specifically designed to avoid freezing should be utilized (Section 5.4.5)
  
• Plumbed units should be activated on a weekly basis long enough to be sure flushing fluid is provided (Section 5.5.2)
  
• Self-contained units do not require activation, but require a visual inspection to verify adequate flushing fluid is available (Section 5.5.3)
  

 

(Taken from “A Guide to the ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard for Emergency Eyewashes and Shower Equipment” available from the Bradley website here.)

The Basics of Eye Wash (Part 1)

“More than 2,000 people injure their eyes at work each day. About 1 in 10 injuries require one or more missed workdays to recover from. Of the total amount of work-related injuries, 10-20 % will cause temporary or permanent vision loss. Experts believe that the right eye protection could have lessened the severity or even prevented 90% of eye injuries in accidents.“

This quote, taken from the Prevent Blindness America website, is sobering, especially the second part of the quote that tells us that 90% of eye injuries are preventable. We have already discussed the basics of eye safety in a previous document (See “The Basics of Eye Protection“) but eye protection is a two-part process. The first part is prevention which involves safety glasses, goggles and face shields. The second part involves eyewash in order to treat eye injuries.

When an eye injury occurs, the first 10 to 15 seconds are critical; any longer than that and serious injury may occur. What this means is that eye wash stations must be within easy access in all critical locations. It is therefore important to identify your critical areas and make sure that you have what is needed to properly treat eye injuries in those locations.

Critical Areas:

• Any area where harmful chemicals are being used, dispensed or stored.
  
• Any area where there is debris flying around.
  

Three types of eyewashes:

1. Plumbed
   This type of eyewash station relies on the plants’ water supply. It is connected to the facility’s water main. There are several different types of plumbed eyewashes as well:
   
   1. Faucet Mounted Eyewashes which connect directly to the tap or are connected next to the tap (see examples here)
      
   2. Free standing eyewashes that tap into the water supply by stand independently of any existing fixture or wall. These are most often combined with a drench shower (see examples here)
      
   3. Wall mounted eyewashes that are plumbed into the water supply but are mounted on the wall. (see examples here)
      
2. Self-Contained
   This type of eyewash is not plumbed into the existing water supply but contains within the unit itself, enough water to properly flush the eyes. These can be free standing or wall mounted (See examples here)
   
3. Personal
   This type is one or more bottles of saline solution designed for field work where conditions change constantly (see examples here).