PPE Mistakes, Part 2

Do you make any of these mistakes with PPE?

• Waiting until you’re in your work area to wear your safety glasses. This doesn’t make them last longer, but it does put your eyes at risk from the time you enter the gate (or plant door) until the time your glasses are on.
• “Saving time” (or money) by using scratched (or pitted) safety glasses instead of replacing them. Damaged lenses cause eye strain and fatigue, two conditions that reduce your level of safety.
• Removing your safety glasses because the poor lighting in the cabinet makes it hard to see. If your glasses are in good condition (see above), this unsafe act won’t improve visibility, but using a portable light will.
• Using safety glasses as your only form of eye protection. Depending upon the hazards, you may need goggles (e.g., chemical splash) or a face shield (e.g., operating a grinding wheel). What other conditions require protection beyond what safety glasses can provide? Always make that determination before entering a given area.