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

A) Safety glass resemble normal
eye-glasses but have lenses
that have a much higher degree
impact resistance.

B) 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.

C) Face shield cover the entire face. They
are used when larger quantities of
hazardous materials are being used.

Sources: Source: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/eye-infectious.html Retrieved 14.11.2010.

This OSH Bulletin is for knowledge sharing. Your feedback is welcomed. Contact Dr. Mithali
Abdullah @ Jacquline Sapen at 016 422 1857 and drjackie@ehsmapis.com.