4.1.4 Flashcards
What is BS EN 166?
The British and European standard for personal eye protection
What types of personal eye protection does BS EN 166 outline specifications for?
Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields
What are the general requirements defined by BS EN 166?
- Optical clarity
- Mechanical resistance (impact protection)
- Chemical resistance
- Thermal resistance
- Protection against radiation
What does the marking ‘EN 166’ indicate on safety glasses?
Complies with the standard
What are the optical class ratings defined by BS EN 166?
- 1 (continuous use)
- 2 (occasional use)
- 3 (short term use)
What do the letters A, B, F, and S signify in BS EN 166?
Impact resistance levels (A = highest, S = lowest)
What does the ‘K’ marking represent in safety glasses?
Anti-scratch coating
What does the ‘N’ marking represent in safety glasses?
Anti-fog coating
What does the CE marking indicate?
Compliance with EU legislation
What does the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide?
Suitable eye protection
This regulation emphasizes the importance of protecting employees’ eyes in the workplace.
What is the general duty of employers as stated in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?
To ensure employee safety
This act establishes the framework for workplace safety and health in the UK.
What does the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 govern?
The manufacturing and supply of PPE, including safety glasses
This regulation was retained in UK law after Brexit, ensuring ongoing standards for PPE.
What does CE marking stand for?
Conformité Européenne
What is the purpose of CE marking?
Indicates a product meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards
Which regulation governs CE marking for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Regulation (EU) 2016/425
True or False: CE marking applies only to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
False
What are the three key points that CE marking signifies for PPE?
- Complies with EU safety regulations
- Has undergone conformity assessment (testing and certification)
- Can be legally sold within the EU and EEA
What did the UK do regarding Regulation (EU) 2016/425 post-Brexit?
Retained it with modifications
What is the risk category classification for Category I PPE?
Minimal Risk - Self-certified by manufacturers (e.g., sunglasses)
Category I PPE includes items that pose minimal risk to users and do not require third-party testing.
What is required for Category II PPE?
Third-party testing required (e.g., standard safety glasses)
Category II PPE includes items that pose intermediate risk and must be tested by a Notified Body.
What characterizes Category III PPE?
High Risk - Strict testing and ongoing audits (e.g., respiratory protection, chemical goggles)
Category III PPE includes items that protect against serious hazards and require rigorous testing.
What must PPE comply with during the testing and certification process?
Relevant harmonised EN standards (e.g., BS EN 166 for eye protection)
Compliance with EN standards ensures that PPE meets established safety criteria.
Who tests and certifies higher-risk PPE?
Third-party Notified Bodies
Notified Bodies are organizations designated by EU member states to assess conformity of products.
What does the Declaration of Conformity entail?
Manufacturer issues a document stating the PPE complies with EU regulations
This declaration is a legal statement by the manufacturer regarding compliance.
What is CE Marking?
CE logo is applied, sometimes with a Notified Body number (for Category III PPE)
CE Marking indicates that the product meets EU safety standards.
What mark replaced CE for most PPE in Great Britain post-Brexit?
UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark
In which regions is CE marking still recognized post-Brexit?
Northern Ireland
What is the marking system used in Northern Ireland?
UKNI mark system
True or False: The UKCA mark is used in Northern Ireland.
False
Fill in the blank: The UKCA mark replaced CE for most PPE in _______.
Great Britain
What is the main standard for personal eye protection?
EN 166
EN 166 establishes the primary requirements for personal eye protection.
What do EN 167 and EN 168 provide for EN 166?
Additional testing methods for optical and non-optical properties
These standards complement the main requirements set by EN 166.
What does EN 167 define?
How the optical properties of safety eyewear should be tested
This standard focuses specifically on various optical tests.
What are the three main types of optical tests done under EN167
Refractive power - ensures lenses do not distort vision
Prismatic deviation - limits unintended deviation in vision
Scattering and light transmission - ensures clear visibility without glare/haze
What does EN 168 outline?
Methods for testing mechanical and thermal properties
Includes specific tests like resistance to fogging, radiation, heat, and ignition.
What is the main difference between EN 166 and EN 167 & EN 168?
EN 166 is the overarching product standard, while EN 167 and EN 168 are testing standards
EN 166 defines general safety requirements; EN 167 and EN 168 detail testing methods.
True or False: EN 166 sets the rules for safety eyewear compliance.
True
It provides the framework for safety standards.
Fill in the blank: EN 167 and EN 168 explain how to _______.
test for compliance
These standards detail the assessment methods for optical and non-optical properties.
What are the non optical tests done under EN168
Tests for mechanical and thermal properties:
Resistance to fogging=assessed anti fog coatings
Resistance to radiation&heat=tests against extreme temps and UV exposure
Resistance to ignition=checks flammability of eyewear materials
What is the primary legislation governing employer responsibilities for eye protection?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
These acts outline the legal obligations of employers regarding health and safety in the workplace.
What must employers provide for employees when there are risks to the eyes?
Suitable, properly fitted, and comfortable eye protection
Examples include safety glasses, goggles, and face shields.
What is the purpose of conducting risk assessments in the workplace?
To assess potential eye hazards and determine the need for protective eyewear
Hazards can include chemical splashes, flying debris, and UV radiation.
What must employees be trained on regarding eye protection?
Correct use and maintenance of their eye protection
This includes cleaning, storing, and replacing eyewear when necessary.
What must PPE, including eye protection, comply with?
Relevant EN standards and have proper CE or UKCA marking
Compliance ensures safety and effectiveness of the equipment.
What information must employers provide to employees concerning eye hazards?
Information about potential eye hazards and training on proper use of eye protection
This is essential for ensuring employee safety.
What is the responsibilities of employees regarding safety eye protection
Wear eye protection as instructed
Take care of PPE
Follow health and safety instructions
What is the responsibilities of dispensing opticians in regards to safety eye protection
Advise on correct eye protection
Ensuring correct fit and comfort
Providing info about proper use and care of eyewear
What are optometrists responsibilities in regards to safety eye protection
Identifying risks to eye health
Advising on eye protection
Eye health screening
What is the primary concern for drivers regarding visual standards?
Meeting visual standards for safe driving
What agency specifies the visual standards for drivers in the UK?
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
What is the required visual acuity for drivers according to the DVLA?
Drivers must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters
True or False: Drivers can meet the DVLA’s visual acuity requirement with corrective lenses.
True
What must drivers do if their vision falls below the DVLA standards?
Report to the DVLA
What does the Road Traffic Act 1988 establish regarding drivers’ eyesight?
Legal requirement for drivers’ eyesight
What can happen if a driver is found unfit to drive due to poor vision?
Disqualified from driving or required to meet a medical standard
Fill in the blank: The DVLA specifies that drivers must be able to read a number plate from a distance of _______.
20 meters
What do the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 cover?
They apply to employees who regularly use computers or similar devices.
What is a key requirement for employers under these regulations regarding risk?
Employers must assess the risks related to VDU workstations to identify hazards.
What should be considered when assessing risks related to VDU workstations?
Hazards that could affect the eyes, posture, or general health.
What is required for workstation setup according to the regulations?
The workstation must be ergonomically designed to reduce strain on the eyes and body.
List some ergonomic features that should be included in workstation setup.
- Adjustable chairs
- Proper screen positioning
- Appropriate lighting
What must employers provide for employees who use VDUs regularly?
Free eye tests.
What is the employer’s responsibility if corrective eyewear is needed for screen use?
The employer must pay for glasses specifically for VDU use.
What type of training must employers provide to employees under these regulations?
Education about proper workstation setup, eye care, and avoiding eye strain.
True or False: Employers are not required to assess risks related to VDU workstations.
False.
What do the A B F and S marking stand for in safety glasses
A = high energy impact (welding/construction)
B = medium energy impact (manufacturing plants/small flying debris)
F = low energy impact (light dust/small particles)
S = small object impact (small airborne particles)
Why do safety glasses have to be sent back to manufacturer instead of being repaired in store
Because they have specific materials and technology to repair properly They make sure it’s up to the legal standards for safety. They maintain integrity and safety of the eyewear and is in compliance with law
