Eye Protection — Grinding, Cutting & Flying Debris

Talking Points

1. 1 Safety glasses are NOT adequate for grinding or cutting — you need side-shield glasses or goggles at minimum
2. 2 Face shields alone are NOT sufficient — must be worn WITH safety glasses underneath
3. 3 When using angle grinder, cut-off saw, or any power tool that throws debris: full-face shield + safety glasses required
4. 4 When chipping concrete or hammering: safety glasses at minimum — consider goggles if risk of fragments
5. 5 Chemical handling (adhesive, cement, solvent): goggles or face shield depending on splash risk
6. 6 Prescription glasses are NOT safety glasses — wear safety specs over your prescription glasses or get prescription safety glasses
7. 7 Clean your safety glasses regularly — scratched lenses reduce vision and can focus light, causing eye strain

Control Measures

• Eye protection requirements specified in task-specific SWMS
• Full-face shields available at tool stations alongside angle grinders and cut-off saws
• Goggles stocked on site for dust and chemical work
• Prescription safety glasses program for workers requiring vision correction
• Regular inspection of safety glasses — replace scratched or damaged lenses immediately