EYE AND FACE PROTECTION TOOLBOX TALK
Use the correct eye and face protection against flying particles, chemical splash, sparks, dust and optical radiation.
Hazard assessment, correct PPE selection and daily pre-work field verification.
Preview is public. A free SERNEM account is required to download the standard PDF.
Toolbox Topic
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Review flying-particle, chemical-splash, spark, radiation and pressurised-fluid hazards that can cause eye and facial injuries during grinding, cutting, welding, chemical handling, pressurised-system intervention and dusty work, and verify that suitable safety glasses, goggles, face shields or welding protection have been selected before the task begins.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
Eye injuries can occur in seconds, and even a small metal burr, grinding fragment or chemical droplet can cause permanent vision damage. Eye protection must therefore be selected for the actual task hazard rather than treated as generic site PPE.
Standard safety glasses with side protection are suitable for many general mechanical hazards, but grinding, cutting and other high-energy particle work may require a face shield in addition to safety glasses. Chemical splash hazards require properly fitting chemical splash goggles rather than open spectacles.
Welding and hot work can expose workers to ultraviolet and infrared radiation capable of causing serious eye injury. The lens shade must suit the welding process, and nearby workers exposed to the arc must also be protected by welding screens or suitable eye protection.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker was grinding a metal surface while wearing only standard side-shield safety glasses. No face shield was being used and the work area had not been effectively separated from nearby personnel.
A small sharp metal fragment was ejected at high speed, passed beneath the lower edge of the glasses and struck the worker around the eye. Another worker nearby was also exposed to sparks and flying material.
The incident could have been prevented through task-specific risk assessment, combined use of safety glasses and a face shield, correct tool positioning, effective barricading and protection of nearby personnel.
REMEMBER
A face shield is usually not a substitute for primary eye protection. During grinding, cutting and other flying-particle work, use it together with suitable safety glasses. Do not start if the protection is not appropriate for the hazard.
KEY HAZARDS
High-velocity metal, stone or other hard particles striking the eyes during grinding, cutting, drilling or hammering.
Chemical burns to the eyes or face caused by splashes of acids, alkalis, solvents, cleaning products or process chemicals.
High-pressure release of liquid or debris from hoses, fittings or process connections during intervention.
Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from welding arcs causing arc eye and longer-term eye damage.
Grinding and hot-work sparks contacting the eyes, face or exposed skin.
Dust, burrs and fine particulates entering the eye and causing irritation, abrasion or infection.
Dirty, scratched, fogged or damaged eyewear reducing visibility and contributing to a secondary incident.
Incorrect lens type, shade level or unsuitable protective equipment failing to provide adequate protection.
CONTROL MEASURES
Assess mechanical-particle, chemical-splash, dust, radiation and pressurised-fluid hazards separately before starting.
Use suitable impact-rated safety glasses with side protection for general mechanical work.
Use a suitable face shield in addition to safety glasses for grinding, cutting and other high-energy particle work.
Use properly fitting chemical splash goggles and, where required, a chemical-resistant face shield for splash hazards.
Use welding protection with the correct lens shade for the specific welding process.
Protect nearby workers from welding radiation and flying material using welding screens, barriers or suitable separation.
Inspect glasses, lenses and face shields before use for cracks, scratches, loose components, contamination and restricted visibility.
Remove damaged or vision-restricting eye and face protection from service and replace it.
Ensure eyewash and, where required, emergency showers are unobstructed, accessible and operational during chemical work.
Barricade the work area and ensure everyone exposed to particles, sparks, splash or radiation uses appropriate protection.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
Team, today we are not simply checking whether everyone is wearing glasses. We will first identify the actual eye and face hazard. Grinding and cutting will require a face shield in addition to suitable safety glasses. Chemical splash work will require correctly fitting splash goggles. Welding protection must have the correct shade, and nearby personnel will be protected by welding screens. Scratched, broken or vision-restricting equipment will not be used. Eyewash access will remain clear during chemical work. If we are not certain the protection matches the hazard, the task will not start.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What can reach the eyes or face during today's task: particles, splash, dust, radiation or pressurised fluid?
Are standard side-shield safety glasses sufficient, or are goggles or a face shield also required?
During grinding or cutting, where will sparks and high-speed particles travel?
If welding is planned, is the selected lens shade suitable for the welding process?
If chemical splash is possible, where are the eyewash and emergency shower and is access clear?
How will nearby personnel be protected from flying particles, sparks, chemical splash or welding radiation?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
Eye and face hazards identified
Safety glasses suitable for the task
Face-shield requirement assessed
Chemical-goggle requirement assessed
Lenses and equipment undamaged
Welding shade suitable
Eyewash accessible
Work area barricaded
Nearby workers protected
Crew briefed on required PPE
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
| # | Name | Position | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 | |||
| 11 | |||
| 12 |
Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource — Task risk assessments, chemical SDS requirements, hot-work controls and site PPE rules take priority.