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ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
EYE PROTECTION
Visors afford better eye protection against conjunctival contamination or injury than safety goggles76 77 in the following circumstances:
- When dealing with cryogenic liquids or potentially infectious material.
- For post-mortem examination in cases of viral hepatitis, hepatitis B, all haemodialysis cases, Brucellosis, HIV infection and Leptospirosis as causative agents can be transmitted in aerosols and infections contracted through conjunctival contamination.
- To protect against splashing when using chromic acid to clean laboratory glassware.
- When dealing with U/V light microscopes or U/V light boxes to guard against 'flash' burns to the eyes from reflected rays.
Examples of safety goggles.
For the procedure to follow if eye damage is caused by chemicals refer to "Chemical splash to the eye". In the case of an infecting agent or radiation burn, cover with sterile eye pad and seek medical attention as soon as possible. For free floating foreign bodies flush the eye as for a chemical splash. If it cannot be displaced by flushing, make one attempt to remove it with a well-moistened surgical (sterile) spear.77 If it still cannot be displaced or the foreign body is adherent or embedded, cover both eyes and take the victim for immediate medical attention. Appropriate protection should be worn whenever there is the slightest chance of damage to the eyes.
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