GLASSBLOWERS OCULAR HEALTH AND SAFETY - OPTICAL RADIATION HAZARDS ANDEYE PROTECTION ASSESSMENT

The aims of this study were to investigate the levels of optical radia tion exposure in glassblowing and to determine type(s) of protective e yewear commonly used. Radiometric measurements of radiant emissions fr om different molten glass materials and heating systems were carried o ut in six installations. Spectral transmittance curves of available pr otective lenses used at the locations were obtained. Significant varia tion (P = 0.0001) in ocular irradiation was obtained. All operations p roduced irradiances higher than the threshold limit values (TLVs) for the visible spectrum (400 to 700 nm). In craft glassblowing which empl oys furnace systems, irradiance levels exceeding the TLVs for near inf rared (760 to 1100 nm) were obtained. Molten soda-lime and quartz glas ses emitted substantial subthreshold near UV radiation. This study sho ws that variation exists in glassblowing ocular radiation exposure due to different glass materials and heating systems, therefore selection of appropriate eye protector should be on an individual basis. (C) 19 97 The College of Optometrists.