FEATURE SAFETY IN ENGINEERING Protecting the eyes from sun exposure
Employers have responsibilities to employees regarding safety during all ‘at work’ activities. With this year’s heat wave looming, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare is encouraging employers to consider eye care as part of their sun protection policy
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pecsavers Corporate Eyecare is encouraging employers to consider the importance of eye
protection for their employees. There can be misunderstanding around exactly how vulnerable the eyes can be, and the right advice and help is particularly important at this time. The following facts and myths will help employers and employees to understand the issue of eye protection:
THE SUN DOES NOT CAUSE ANY LONG-TERM DAMAGE TO THE EYES False: UV rays can be as harmful to your eyes as they are to your skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun can cause short and long- term eye damage, including cataracts and age- related macular degeneration. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause a painful sunburn-like inflammation of the cornea at the front of the eye. This can greatly increase the risk of developing more serious, even sight- threatening, conditions in the future.
ALL SUN GLASSES OFFER THE SAME PROTECTION False: Poor quality sunglasses may cause the pupil to dilate, actually increasing the amount of UV light filtering into the eyes. Check sunglasses comply with BSEN 1836: 1997, or bear the CE kite mark and are marked UV 400. Also the style
of glass can also make a difference. The larger the lens, the more protection they will give the eyes as there is less chance that light will filter in through the sides.
DANGERS FROM THE SUN CAN BE REDUCED BY POLARISED LENSES True: Polarised lenses use a layer of iodine crystals to absorb the glare. Non-polarised sunglasses only have a minimal effect, though they will reduce the amount of visible light.
EYELIDS ARE PRONE TO CANCER True: This is because the skin is thinner here than on most of the rest of the body. Good quality sunglasses will also protect the delicate skin surrounding the eyes.
OPTICIANS ONLY ADVISE ON VISION False: An optician is there to provide advice on all aspects of eyecare and not just to provide
glasses for those with visual difficulties. Opticians will be best placed to advise on the type of sunglasses for the employee’s needs in terms of protection, comfort and appearance. They may even offer to check the amount of UV protection being offered by the employee’s existing sunglasses.
SUNGLASSES DO NOT COUNT AS PPE False: Sunglasses may not be the first thought for employers regarding PPE, but they are a valid requirement for many employees who work outside or drive.
SUNGLASSES CAN BE A VALUED EMPLOYEE BENEFIT True: Employers are in a position to be able to protect the eyesight of their employees while providing a cost-effective employee benefit. Sunglasses do not need to be expensive and may provide a small but highly appreciated additional benefit.
HAVING SUN PROTECTION MEANS CARRYING TWO PAIRS OF GLASSES False: For everyday glasses wearers, sunglasses are also available with prescription lenses. Or, select photochromic lenses, which instantly adapt to light changes, darkening in bright light.
www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate
SKANWEAR ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO CARRY OUT FREQUENT ARC FLASH HEALTH CHECKS
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usinesses that are at risk of an electrical explosion or discharge should frequently be
carrying out arc flash health checks to ensure the dangers are kept to a minimum, according to experts Skanwear. While companies will typically carry out an
arc flash risk assessment when operations begin, it is a task they should repeat on a regular basis to ensure that risks haven’t increased and that the correct safety procedures are still being followed. Skanwear, the personal protective equipment (PPE) provider, is recommending that businesses review their arc flash evaluation every six to 12 months dependant on the field of work, ensuring that it remains fit for purpose and that employees have the adequate protective clothing and PPE to safely carry out their job. Angus Long, managing director of Skanwear, says: “As with all health and safety policies, arc
can make a real difference to the risks workers are exposed to.” The light and heat produced as part of an arc
flash can cause significant injury and, in some cases, prove fatal. In addition to wearing PPE, which effectively shields workers, it is important that other safety precautions are taken to minimise the risk of arc flash occurring. To help businesses tackle the challenge of arc
flash procedures and risks should be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in the business environment and best practices. Conducting frequent arc flash health checks can seem like a chore but it’s one that should be considered an essential. From assessing the climate and conditions that employees work in to reviewing the existing electrical safety policy in place, it
flash risk, Skanwear offers businesses a free arc flash health check. From helping firms to understand whether their current electrical safety strategy meets minimum standards through to providing support for creating a strategy when there is none currently in place, the expert consultants aim to provide practical, compliant and effective solutions.
Skanwear
skanwear.com
14 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
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