Eyes and eyesight

VDU users and those who are to become users of VDU equipment can request an eye and eyesight test that is free of charge to them. If the test shows that they need glasses specifically to carry out their VDU work, then their employer must pay for a basic pair of frames and lenses. Users are also entitled to further tests at regular intervals but if the user s normal glasses are suitable for VDU work, then the employer is not required to pay for them. 

If a user requests an eye test, the employer is required to provide one. The provision of eye and eyesight tests and special corrective appliances under the DSE Regulations is at the expense of the employer. If the test shows that the user needs spectacles specifically for display screen... 

Initially on request, employees have the right to a free eye and eyesight test conducted by a competent person ... 

The employer must provide a further eye and eyesight test at regular intervals thereafter or when a user is experiencing visual difficulties which could be caused by working with display screen equipment. 

An eye and eyesight test means a sight test as defined in the Opticians Act 1989. These should be carried out by a registered ophthalmic optician or medical practitioner (normally only those with an ophthalmic qualification do so). 

Employers are free to specify that users eye and eyesight tests and correction appliances are provided by a nominated company or optician. 

Risks from DSE and workstation Risk assessment and measures to reduce the risks Reg 2 3 Breaks and activity changes Reg 4 Eye and eyesight tests Reg 5 Initial training Reg 6(1) Training when workstation modified Reg 6(2)... 

Health and Safety Factors, Toxicology. Phosphoms oxychloride volatilises readily its vapors are extremely irritating to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes (49). Direct contact with the Hquid can produce severe bums. Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately. Inhalation of POCl vapors can cause pulmonary edema and temporary eyesight problems. 

Most specifications give a set strain and exposure period but it is preferable to examine test pieces at a series of times such that data can be obtained on the relationship between strain and time to appearance of cracks. ISO 1431 requires examination to be carried out with a lens of x7 magnification but, unfortunately, any examination of cracks is to some extent dependent on the eyesight of the operator. In practice, many workers say a crack is only a crack if they can see it with the naked eye. The alternative procedure of measuring relaxation in stress will be discussed later. An optical method of automatically detecting cracks has been described by Zeplichal51 but this is relatively complicated and has not been considered for standardisation. 

Certain gotchas lurk here. What are optimal conditions Usually this means the conditions in which the object s details can be seen most clearly. For a small object held in the hand, this would be when the object is brought as close as possible and still seen clearly, that it, to the near point of the eye, about 25 cm for normal eyesight. For a distant mountain, one can t bring it close, so when determining the magnification of a telescope, we assume the object is very distant, or at infinity. 

Marine flatworms generally have very poor eyesight. Their eyes are actually sets of light-sensitive eyespots, arranged in pairs of two, four, or six on the anterior end of the body. To get information about the environments, the worms also depend on folds of tissue that create tentacle-like structures. These tissues can detect chemicals in the water, helping the worms navigate and find their food. 

Some of the more evolved snakes have good eyesight and detect prey movement visually. Snake eyes contain light-receptive chemicals such that could possibly perceive color, but there is no demonstration that they do. 

Most casualties of mustard exposure wiU, however, require some form of medical care— from a few days to many weeks. Eye care and airway care will promote healing within weeks skin lesions take the longest to heal and may necessitate hospitalization for months (Wdlems, 1989). Casualties with mUd to moderate mustard damage will need supportive care. Pain control is extremely important. Fluids and electrolytes should be carefully monitored. Although there is not as great a fluid loss from mustard bums (compared with thermal bums), a casualty will probably be dehydrated when he enters the MTF. Parenteral fluid supplements and vitamins will be of benefit. Casualties who have lost their eyesight because of mustard exposure should be reassured that they will recover their vision. 

Emphasis on personal responsibility and interviews with people who would have lost eyesight without eye protection. 

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