The importance of effective eye protection

22 April 2014
The African division of MSA - a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated products that protect people's health and safety - has recently launched new eye protection spectacles and goggles for use in various applications.
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MSA Africa senior Head, Eye, Face, Hearing and Communication (HEFHC) product manager Loren Pearson notes the importance of eye protection in industrial applications. “There are many hazards that workers in industrial settings face. These include; mechanical, thermal, chemical and biological, radiation and electrical hazards, and quality, approved eye protection is an absolute necessity,” she explains.

Pearson points out that all MSA eye protection products are EN 166 approved on the lenses and the frames, and are marked according to the CE standards. “The spectacles and goggles boast premium quality polycarbonate lenses, and have a superior anti-fog and limited scratch resistant coating. The lenses also offer superior class 1 optical correctness, as well as 99.9 per cent UV protection,” she adds.

MSA Africa provides eye protection products to numerous industrial workers, including; construction workers, utility workers, forklift drivers, open flame workers and welders. There are various lens colours to choose from, depending on the specific application that the eye protection is used for.

For general safety and indoor applications, clear lenses are recommended, as they offer impact protection and provide maximum visual acuity. Grey, bronze or mirror coated lenses are recommended for general use outdoors, as they reduce glare and bright light. Specialised lenses should be considered for applications such as furnace work and welding which involve intense UV and IR rays.

Pearson indicates that there are many causes of eye injuries. "Around 70 per cent of all of these injuries are a result of flying or falling objects, while another 20 per cent of eye accidents are caused by some form of contact with chemicals. Other eye injuries are the result of people wearing safety spectacles with no side protection, and from wearing ill-fitting or non-approved safety specs." Additional eye injuries are the result of exposure to dust and particles, as well as ultraviolet and infrared rays.

Pearson reveals that eye injuries do not necessarily appear immediately (chemicals, projectiles), but can develop over prolonged periods (exposure to UV and IR light). “Eye injuries can appear immediately or later on in life. Both cases should be taken into account, and suitable eye protection should always be worn. MSA offers a wide range of quality eye protection products to suit your safety needs,” she concludes.

For detailed information on the comprehensive range of MSA eye protection products visit www.msanet.com

 

Ends

Notes to the Editor
There are numerous photographs specific to this press release. Please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the MSA Africa link.

About MSA
MSA been the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality safety products since 1914. MSA products may be simple to use and maintain, but they’re also highly-sophisticated devices and protective gear - the result of countless R&D hours, relentless testing, and an unwavering commitment to quality that saves lives and protects thousands of men and women each and every day. Many of MSA's most popular products integrate multiple combinations of electronics, mechanical systems, and advanced materials to ensure that users around the world remain protected in even the most hazardous of situations. MSA's dedication to safety has been the key to its impressive year-over-year growth. In eight of the past ten years, MSA has achieved record growth numbers, with annual revenues of more than US$1 billion.

MSA Africa Contact Details
Loren Pearson
Senior HEFHC Product Manager
Tel: (+27) 11 610 2600
Email:  Loren [dot] Pearson [at] msasafety [dot] com
Web: www.msanet.com

Media Contact
Renay Tandy
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 082 562 5088
Email: renay [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za

Browse the Ngage Media Zone for more client press releases and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za