Gordon Graham
Category: Fire
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my friends in the fire service, and it’s about protecting your eyes.
Your eyes are vulnerable. They’re front and center, and unfortunately nature didn’t give them much protection. Some eye injuries can lead to permanent loss of sight. That can be a dead end for your career and a life-changing event.
As firefighters, you encounter eye injury and infection hazards almost every day. Dust, dirt, and debris. Irritation from smoke or other gases. Chemical splashes at hazmat scenes. The list goes on.
Fireground eye injuries can happen at any stage of an incident.
Forcible entry techniques send sparks or metal shavings airborne. A tiny shard of glass is all it takes to cause a permanent eye injury. Wind can send embers or lightweight debris in your direction without warning. And overhaul operations create all sorts of trouble.
Vehicle rescue incidents have their own set of hazards. In addition to broken glass and metal-on-metal tools, you encounter fluids like windshield solvent and gasoline. Each one carries a risk of splash-related injuries. Be careful with the absorbent you’re using to clean them up, too. The dust it creates can irritate your eyes.
Aside from the risk of injury, our eyes are a direct entry point for bloodborne pathogens. Blood and other body fluids can become airborne. Some pathogens can find their way into your eyes from a simple cough or sneeze, making you as sick as your patient.
Your department likely has a policy requiring eye protection. But for it to work, you’ve got to wear it. Face shields, safety glasses, and goggles are no good to you if they aren’t in front of your eyes. Wear them.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
