3M Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division. E-Workplace. Challenge A TECHNICAL NEWSLETTER FOR INDUSTRIAL AND EHS PROFESSIONALS.

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1 3M Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division 3M E-Workplace A TECHNICAL NEWSLETTER FOR INDUSTRIAL AND EHS PROFESSIONALS March

2 Dear Reader, reetings to you! G Thanks for the tremendous response to the earlier editions of the E- Workplace. This has definitely motivated us to take this initiative further up and expose our dear readers and customers to latest technologies that would enhance not only the safety practices in the industry but also add a fillip to the existing processes in terms of productivity and efficiency. Even with the prevailing economic turmoil across the world, India is one of the few countries who are still attracting global investment with innovative products and services. Under these trying conditions, one of the key points required to ensure growth is the ability to adapt to new technologies and at the same time - add value to the existing products and processes. So as promised in the earlier editions, we once again bring forth new technologies prevalent in the safety arena, which might just add value to your organization in terms of sustained productivity and growth. In this edition we will be covering emerging technologies in eyewear protection, which have already established a new high in eyewear protection standards. These technologies not only enhance the safety aspects in the eyewear protection but also address the comfort and style aspects in addition to application-specific requirements of the end-users. We once again thank the readers for their interest and feedback. Looking forward for continued feedback / suggestions on the newsletter Lastly, If you do not wish to receive this newsletter please send us an e- mail to ohesindia@mmm.com for unsubscribing. Do also write to us with contact details and ID's of friends, colleagues or acquaintances whom you wish to get enrolled for receiving future editions of this technical newsletter. Wish you a Safe and Prosperous year ahead! Regards, From the Technical Desk Viren Shah 3M Occupation Health and Environmental Safety (OH&ES) Division

3 Eye Injuries account for a large percentage of Occupational accidents in the country and worldwide. The Major injuries attributed in the workplace are by dusts, flying objects, chemical Splashes and more or less moving objects. At several incidents these injuries could be devastating and cause severe damage or Blindness to the workmen. The eye works in a complex phenomenon and each part of the eye has a role to play before the brain senses the image. The eye acts as a camera, rather the camera is a replication of the same object, the camera though has a very limited resolution and the Eye captures the best image possible with the maximum resolution possible. When light rays are reflected off the many colors and dimensions of objects surrounding us, forms take shape in our mind only because of the amazing structures of the eye: Cornea Light rays enter the eye through the clear front covering called the cornea. If the cornea is curved properly, the light rays are bent (refracted) in angles necessary to achieve sharp focus. Pupil Occupational Eye Protection The central black portion of the eye, the pupil, regulates light by expanding and contracting. When you are in a room with low lighting, the pupil expands to allow more light to enter the eye. If you are in bright sunlight, the pupil shrinks to reduce the amount of light entering the eye 3M E-Workplace Iris The colored portion of the eye, the iris, also helps regulate the amount of light entering the eye. Most of the muscle structure that controls the opening and closing of the pupil within the iris. Crystalline Lens The eye's natural lens, known as the crystalline lens, is behind the iris. This lens helps focus images onto the back inner lining of the eye, the retina. Retina The retina is a light-sensitive area in the inner back portion of the eye that transmits impulses it receives through the optic nerve to the brain, where the image is interpreted and sight is achieved. Injuries to the eyes can occur by: a. Flying objects (bits of metal, glass) b. Tools c. Particles d. Chemicals e. Harmful radiation f. Any combination of these or other hazards.

4 It is hence advisable to use protection for the eyes, whenever you foresee a chance for eye injuries. The safety eyewear available could be a. Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses b. Goggles c. Face shields d. Welding helmets e. Full-face respirators The Types of Eye protection required would depend on the type of Eye injury Hazard you are exposed to. I.e If you are working in an area that has particles, flying objects, or dust, you must at least wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields). If you are working with chemicals, you should wear goggles. If you are working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers) you must use special-purpose safety glasses, auto darkening welding lenses, goggles, face shields which are selected depending on the Intensity of the Hazard and in that particular area. There are 3 types of lens materials available for eye protection which most manufacturers use. Glass Lenses Are not easily scratched Can be used around harsh chemicals Can be made in your corrective prescription Are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable Plastic lenses Occupational Eye Protection Are lighter weight Protect against welding splatter Are not likely to fog Are not as scratch-resistant as glass 3M E-Workplace Polycarbonate Lenses Are lightweight Protect against welding splatter Are not likely to fog Are stronger than glass and plastic Are more impact resistant than glass or plastic Are not as scratch resistant as glass. You may simply follow the 3M 4 Step method to Prevent eye injuries at the workplace. 1. Identify the areas where there is potential for Eye injuries. 2. Understand the potential impact and severity of damage to the employees in that area 3. Select the proper eye protector 4. Training on proper use and care of the eye protector. Regular Training and showcasing posters on the shop floor and a little bit of enforcement will all be a perfect recipe for effective Eye protection programs. Each time you blink, you shut your eyes for 0.3 seconds, which means your eyes are closed at least 30 minutes a day just from blinking. Most people blink every 2-10 seconds. Number of fibers in human optic nerve = 1,200,000

5 Most common problems with eye wear As an EHS / Safety office or the Eye protection coordinator in an industry would agree that the most common problems seen with eye wear are a. Fogging b. Scratches c. Attracts dust d. Chemical Attack Thanks to the Dx technology, through which the lenses can now be made a. Anti-fog b. Anti-scratch c. Antistatic d. Anti Chemical This technology has a coating over the polycarbonate lenses, which do not allow easy abrasion of the surface, has an antifog feature. The coating also does not allow dust to get attracted to the surface, and can resist mild chemical attack too. Why are these properties desired? Antifog: Fogging in the work area is common and could lead to a potentially dangerous situation or an accident situation. There have been evidences that the employee is not able to see clearly due to the fogging of the lens, and he hence could be a potential for accidents Scratch: Polycarbonate by property has higher tendency to scratch; once scratched the Haze of the lens increases and often the employees complaint about blurred vision or headaches, which are all associated with scratches. Special coatings or treatments could be given to get the properties of scratch resistance. Static: Most of lenses are made of plastic based materials (e.g Polycarbonate, Acrylic); these have tendency to attract dust. The dust gets attracted on the surface and the user tries to wipe the dust by wiping the lens with a handkerchief or dirty hands. This is another culprit to cause the lenses to get scratched. The antistatic property of the lens does not allow the dust to settle easily on the surface, hence reducing chances of scratching. Anti chemical: Some chemicals when attack polycarbonate / plastic surfaces, tend to damage the surface or itch the surface easily. An antichemical lens would mean that the lenses would resist majority of chemical attacks and hence enhance the longetivity of the lenses. Should you need more information on the Dx Technology and the lenses available with these properties, please feel free to contact 3M on ohesindia@mmm.com or via our webpage

6 Regulations for testing Eyewear There are several regulations that could be used for eyewear certifications. The widely used or adopted standards currently in India seem to be a. Indian Standard: IS 7524: 1979 b. US Standard: ANSI Z c. European Standard :EN :2002 The standards though have some basic details to be similar but still may them have some essential differences. A Brief description of the standards could be as follows IS 7524:1979 (Reaffirmed 199) Optical Testing 1. Refractive, astigmatic and prismatic powers. 2. Diffusion of Light 3. Quality of Material and surface 4. Measurement of Color chromaticity 5. Measurement of Transmittance Non-Optical Testing 1. Stability at Elevated Temperatures 2.Robustness 3. Resistance to Ultaviolet radiation 4. Resistance to corrosion of metal parts 5. Suitability for disinfection. Flammability 7. Resistance to High speed particles 8. Non-Adherence of molten metal 9. Resistacne to penetration of Hot solids 10. Proof against chemical Splashes 11. Protection against Dust 12. Protection against Gas. EN :2001 Personal Eye Protection Specifications (EN : Personal Eye Protection Optical Test Methods and EN : Personal Eye Protection Non-Optical Test Methods) Tests, which need to be done here, would be as follows:

7 Regulations for testing Eyewear EN : Allocation of requirements and tests for mounted and unmounted occulars Field of vision Refractive powers Transmittance Requirement Variation in transmittance Diffusion of light Quality of material and surface Minimum robustness Increased robustness Temperature stability UV--stability Ignition High speed particles Molten metals a no hot solids Short circuit electric arc\ Surface damage by fine particles Fogging High speed Particles at extremes of temperature Marking Ocular reflectance Key Empty Field X a according to Type of ocular Testing according to EN Clause EN Clause / Requirement is specified Requirement is not specified Optional requirement X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X If the requirement far increased robustness is met the requirement for minimum robustness need not be assessed. Ocular without filtering effect Welding filters Ultraviolet Filters Infrared filters Sun glare filters for industrial use Cover plates against welding splashes and and 11 Measurement and inspection Visual inspection 8

8 Regulations for testing Eyewear Basic Requirements Field of vision (EN :2001) Optical Requirements (EN :2001) 1. Spherical, Astigmatic and Prismatic powers 2. Quality of Material and Surface 3. Robustness 4. Resistance to Ageing 5. Resistance to corrosion. Resistance to ignition Particular Requirements 1. Protection Against optical Radiation a. Welding Filters (EN 19) b. UV Filters (EN 170) c. IR Filters (EN 171) d. Sunglare filters for Industrial use ((EN 172) e. Welding Filters with switchable luminous transmittance (EN 379) 2. Protection against High Speed Particles 3. Protection against molten metals and hot solids 4. Protection against droplets and splashes of liquid 5. Protection against large dust particles. Protection against gasses and fine dust particles 7. Protection against short circuit electric arc (face shields only) 8. Lateral Protection Optional Requirements 1. Resistance to surface damage by fine particles 2. Resistance to fogging of oculars (not for whole eye wear) 3. Oculars with enhanced reflectance in the Infrared 4. Protection against high speed particles at extremes of temperatures ANSI Z The ANSI has a comprehensive standard on Eye protection, which outlays the requirements of an Eye Protection Program, Eye accidents and Injury data collation and how to report eye injuries. The Basic eye protection devices are categorized and the testing requirements, design, labeling and marking, Instructions for use care and maintenance are suggested here.

9 Regulations for testing Eyewear The eye protectors are divided into 5 categories as below. The below table mentions the category along with the requirements. Spectacles a. Introduction b. Spectacle Frame Tests c. Basic Impact Lens Requirements d. Plano spectacle lens requirements e. Non - Plano spectacle lens requirements f. Flammability g. Corrosion Resistance h. Cleanability i. Replacement Spectacle lens j. Marking Goggles a. Introduction b. Impact testing Requirements c. High Impact Testing requirements d. Optical requirements for Plano goggles e. Optical requirements for Non-Plano goggles f. Flammability g. Corrosion Resistance h. Cleanability i. Ventilation Requirements j. Transmittance of Non-Lens Areas k. Replacement Goggle lens Marking Face-Shield a. Introduction b. Impact Testing Requirements c. High Impact testing requirements d. Optical Requirements for plano face-shield windows e. Requirements for wire-screen windows f. Flammability g. Corrosion Resistance h. Cleanability i. Replacement face shield windows j. Marking Respirators (with eye protection) a. Introduction b. Full face piece respirators c. Loose fitting respirator d. Full Face piece Welding respirator e. Loose fitting welding respirator Welding Helmets and Handshields a. Introduction b. Impact Testing Requirements c. High Impact testing requirements d. Optical Requirements for Plano welding helmet lenses e. Optical Requirements for Non-Plano welding helmet lenses f. Flammability g. Corrosion Resistance h. Cleanability i. Non-lens area transmittance and light tightness j. Replacement welding helmet lens k. Marking l. Transmittance requirement, Auto darkening welding filter lenses m. Cover lenses Transmittance Requirements for clear Lenses, Filter Lenses and Auto darkening Filter Lenses a.formulae b.transmittance Requirements c. Switching Index requirements It also elaborates gives in the TEST methods as below. a. High Mass Impact Test b. High Velocity Impact Test c. Test for High impact Prescription Lenses d. Drop Ball Impact test e. Penetration Test f. Flammability Test g. Corrosion resistance test h. Clenability test i. Prismatic power test j. Refractive power, Resolving Power and Astigmatism tests k. Haze test l. Transmittance test m. Switching Index test n. Light Tightness Test The suggestions (if any) given in this article are views of the author, please refer to your Company Safety / Industrial Hygiene department and select the right eye protector for the hazard existing in your area.

10 Safety Lens 3M E-Workplace colours & their applications For Industrial application purposes, this Lens Color Reference Guide will help you understand the functionality of "task-specific" lenses and how to determine what type of lens is best for your application and environment. It is important to understand why there are more lens color options, often necessary, than a Clear, Gray or Mirror lens. The basic rule of thumb for choosing a lens is to consider color opposites. Blue is opposite of Yellow and Red is opposite of Green. Therefore, Red lenses will absorb Green light and Yellow Lenses will absorb Blue/ Ultraviolet light, and vice versa. Try on the different 3M Safety lenses and learn for yourself the differences, functions and benefits of the different lens colors. Yellow/Contrast Amber Lens - absorbs Blue and Ultraviolet light Use a Contrast Amber lens when sharpness, acuity and contrast are needed and to block high intensity blue lighting such as UV and in Curing Operations. #1 Use is UV absorption. Filters out hazy light that is hard on the eyes (everything seems brighter) Good for working outside at Dawn and Dusk Good for hazy, overcast or foggy days (because of the blue/gray light, similar to the function of a fog light) Should not be used where protection from infrared radiation is required or for night time driving Green/I.R. Shade Lens - blocks Red/Infrared (I.R.) light Use any place where there is heat. Good for metal making, furnace work, trash incineration and open flames Protects against glare, ultraviolet and infrared radiations Available in Shade 3.0 or 5.0 Gray/Silver Mirror/Blue Mirror Lenses - reduce glare and bright light Use to reduce glare and/or to decrease visible brightness. Good for outdoor applications where a task specific lens is not required Can still recognize traffic and warning signals Provides good color recognition (utility workers and linespeople) Mirror reflects light, reducing the amount of light that passes through the lens Indoor/Outdoor Lens - reduces glare and bright light The Indoor/Outdoor Lens tones everything down and provides excellent vision in both indoor and outdoor lighting. Good for applications where working both indoors and outdoors is required. Allows people to wear the same pair of eyewear in both indoor and outdoor environments The 3M Ultimate Indoor/Outdoor Mirror lens is the only Indoor/Outdoor lens that reduces backside reflection - so workers won't complain about seeing the reflection of their eyes on the backside of the lens, which is not only distracting but common with other Indoor/Outdoor lenses.

Safety Lens 3M E-Workplace colours & their applications The 3M Lexa MinimIzeR Lens - reduces infrared (I.R.) with excellent UV absorption. Use in low light welding applications.

Helps protect against some infrared radiation Helps protect against "flash burn", a common and damaging hazard that occurs when workers are exposed to welding arcs.

11 Safety Lens 3M E-Workplace colours & their applications The 3M Lexa MinimIzeR Lens - reduces infrared (I.R.) with excellent UV absorption. Use in low light welding applications. Developed specifically for people around low light welding applications. Helps protect against some infrared radiation Helps protect against "flash burn", a common and damaging hazard that occurs when workers are exposed to welding arcs. The neutral gray color of the MinimIzeR lens has a high visible transmittance of 50%, resulting in excellent visual acuity Solves color recognition problems that are encountered with green shaded lenses (most other welding eyewear are an unattractive dark green/pea green color). 3M Arc-Block Lens - protects against accidental electrical arc (UV and I.R.). Designed especially to provide protection to linespeople and utility workers from the eye hazards of accidental electrical arc. Protects against UV and "flash burn" Absorbs Infrared (I.R.) to a level equal to a Shade 2.5 lens Provides the best possible protection and visible acuity given the fact that the usual eye protection device used in work environments that involve accidental arcing is a spectacle Provides better color recognition than green shaded lenses Clear Lens - protects against UV General-purpose safety glass. Provides maximum visual acuity and maximum color recognition at Disclaimer This publication is for information purposes only. While due care has been taken during the compilation of this publication to ensure that the information is accurate to the best of 3M knowledge and belief, the content is not to be construed in any manner whatsoever as a substitute for professional advice. 3M shall in no way, be liable for any direct or indirect damages that may arise due to any act or omission on the part of the user due to any reliance placed or guidance taken from any portion of this publication. The suggestions (if any) given in this article are views of the author, please refer to your Company Safety / Industrial Hygiene department and select the right eye protector for the hazard existing in your area. Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division 3M India Limited Concorde Block, UB City 24, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore Tel : / Fax :

BRAND X. " Robert T. Poole, Safety Director, CSP - HITT Contracting Inc. product catalog

BRAND X. Robert T. Poole, Safety Director, CSP - HITT Contracting Inc. product catalog PRODUCT CATALOG BRAND X " Utilizing Brand X protective glasses on our jobsites has been nothing but good news for HITT. Since we started using them, we have actually seen the use of the eye protection