Goggle Use and Machines

The first and most important safety rule in a machine shop is to don safety goggles to prevent damage to the eyes. This is an important rule to remember at home when using any type of machine that may do damage to oneself (i.e. spraying fertilizers, mowing the lawn, mulching leaves, etc). Goggles should not be confused with safety glasses. Most safety glasses do not fully protect the wearer from dust, smoke, chemicals, or other minute objects. Some objects are smaller than a pinhead but can do extensive eye damage.

Along with goggles, sometimes a full face mask is utilized to prevent sparks from a welding torch flicking into the eyes. All flying or falling objects are also a danger and are the cause of 70% of work-related injuries.

Chemicals are another major cause of eye damage. According to OSHA, one-fifth of accidents to the eyes are a result of chemical splash or spray. Goggles may have direct venting or indirect venting. The best goggles are made of high impact resistant polycarbonate and should fit properly on the face. Goggles should fit comfortably on the bridge of the nose without slipping due to perspiration and should continue around behind the ear, not above the ear. Direct-vented goggles are used in situations where fogging of the goggles is likely to occur. Indirect vented goggles should be used in an area where there is fine dust or the possibility of chemical splash.

To avoid being one of over 1,000 people who suffer each day from a work-related eye injury, it is best to be fully protected. Take the necessary precautions and always wear goggles when working in any questionable environment. You will have no regrets for doing so.