The National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers with chemical operations take these steps to keep contact lens wearers safe in chemical environments:
1. Conduct an eye injury hazard evaluation in the workplace that includes an assessment of the number of contact lens wearers, chemical exposures, and appropriate eye and face protection available for contact lens wearers.
The eye injury hazard evaluation should be conducted by a qualified person, such as a certified industrial hygienist, a certified safety professional, or a toxicologist. Information from the hazard evaluation should be provided to the company’s occupational health nurse or occupational medicine physician.
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The chemical exposure assessment for all workers should include, at a minimum, an evaluation of the properties of the chemicals in use, including concentration, permissible exposure limits, known eye irritant/injury properties, form of chemical (powder, liquid, or vapor), and possible routes of exposure. The assessment for contact lens wearers should include a review of information about lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use and an account of the injury experience for the employer or industry, if known.
2. Provide suitable eye protection for all workers exposed to eye injury hazards, regardless of contact lens wear. NIOSH says wearing contact lenses does not appear to require enhanced eye protection. For chemical vapor, liquid, or caustic dust hazards, the minimum protection consists of well-fitting nonvented or indirectly vented goggles or full-face piece respirators.
3. Establish a written policy on general safety requirements for wearing contact lenses, including the eye protection required and any contact lens wear restrictions by work location or task, including the general training required by the OSHA PPE standard (29 CFR 1910.132).
4. Comply with current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations on contact lens wear and eye and face protection.
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5. Notify workers and visitors about any defined areas where contact lenses are restricted.
6. Identify to supervisors all contact lens wearers working in chemical environments to ensure that the proper hazard assessment is completed and the proper eye protection and first- aid equipment are available.
In tomorrow’s Advisor, we’ll look at the last 4 precautions for protecting contact lens wearers—plus examine a dynamic training resource for quick and effective training sessions.