Putting your safety first - Resene

Protecting your eyesCauses of eye injuriesOver 90% of eye injuries are due to four generalcauses:1. Being struck in the eye by flying particles andobjects.2. Striking the eye against moving or stationaryobjects.3. Eye contact with:• Splashes of molten metals, hot liquids,corrosive chemicals, irritant liquids, diseasecausingagents.• Fumes – corrosive, irritant.• Dusts – organic, chemical, abrasive,corrosive.4. Exposure to welding flash, hot substances,laser beams, infrared radiation, laser reflection.Treating splashes, fumes, dust, particlesin eyes• Lay patient on floor and pour copious amountsof water gently into the eye while holding theeyelids open.• Continue for 15 minutes. Get professionalmedical attention.• If the patient is wearing contact lenses, don’tattempt to remove them before or during the15 minute irrigation. Usually the lens will bewashed out of the eye. If this doesn’t occur,the lenses will slide off the pupil and migrateto the back of the eye. They may be safely leftthere until medical attention is available.Further informationContact your local Occupational Health and Safety Office.15