Contact Lens Use in a Chemical Environment
[Posted
7/25/05] The National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
has issued the Current Intelligence Bulletin on
Contact Lens Use in a Chemical Environment, which
changes recommendations that have been in place for
decades. Based on the 1978 Standards Completion
Program, NIOSH recommended that workers not wear
contact lenses when working with chemicals that may
cause eye irritation or injury. This recommendation
was consistent with OSHA regulations and industry
practice as well as the recommendations of
professional groups. However, with more recent
studies and injury data, professional groups such as
the American Optometric Association, the American
College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
and NIOSH have reviewed their stand on contact lens
use in the workplace and they have removed some
restrictions.
The new guidelines focus on
ten important recommendations:
-
Eye injury hazard evaluation
should include assessment of chemical exposures
under OSHA’s personal protective equipment standard,
contact lens wear, and appropriate eye and face
protection for contact lens wearer.
-
Contact lens use does not
enhance eye and face protection; all workers must
still be provided suitable eye and face protection.
-
Written policies on general
safety requirements regarding eye and face
protection (including use of or restrictions on
contact lens use) must be established.
-
Employers must comply with
current OSHA regulations regarding contact lens
wear, eye, and face protection.
-
Workers and visitors must be
notified about restricted areas regarding contact
lens use.
-
Supervisors must be informed
about all contact lens wearers working in chemical
environments to ensure proper eye and face
protection as well as preparation for first aid
equipment.
-
Medical and first aid
personnel must be trained in removal of contact
lens.
-
Start eye irrigation first and
remove contact lenses as soon as practical.
-
Educate workers to remove
contact lenses at the first sign of irritation or
redness.
-
Evaluate restrictions on
contact lens use based on an individual’s needs.
Related Link:
CDC Bulletin
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