To the Editor: Chemical burns from alkaline cleaning chemicals in the workplace can cause some of the most devastating and blinding ocular injuries, as noted by Samarawickrama and colleagues.1 Protection from alkalis is particularly important as these compounds are capable of deep penetration, especially in the cornea, and tissue destruction continues long after the initial exposure.2
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- 1. Samarawickrama C, Leaney J, Watson S. Severe alkali burns from beer line cleaners warrant mandatory safety guidelines. Med J Aust 2014; 201: 90. <MJA full text>
- 2. Palao R, Monge I, Ruiz M, Barret JP. Chemical burns: pathophysiology and treatment. Burns 2010; 36: 295-304.
- 3. Safe Work Australia. How to manage work health and safety risks. Code of practice. Sydney: WorkCover, NSW Government, Dec 2011. http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/how-manage-work-health-safety-risks-code-of-practice-3565.pdf (accessed Jan 2015).
- 4. AS/NZS 1336:2014. Eye and face protection - guidelines. Sydney/Wellington: Standards Australia Limited, Standards New Zealand, 2014.
- 5. Safe Work Australia. Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Code of practice. Sydney: WorkCover, NSW Government, Jul 2014. http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/managing-risks-hazardous-chemicals-code-3837.pdf (accessed Jan 2015).
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Annette Hoskin receives compensation as a consultant to EYRES Safety Optics.