4.23.1 PURPOSE
A. To establish guidelines for the use of Department issued protective eyewear. In an ongoing effort to increase safety and decrease the potential for injury, exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other infectious diseases, officers will be issued safety glasses for eye protection. The protective eyewear will be utilized at the firearms range and can be utilized on patrol during routine functions.
4.23.2 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
A. Uvex Corporation – Genesis model with interchangeable lenses and adjustable earpieces.
1. Dual 9-base “wrap-around” lens provides uncompromised peripheral vision and protection;
2. Soft flexible fingers adjust and conform to any nasal profile and minimize slippage;
3. Soft elastomer brow guard diffuses and deflects impact;
4. Meets Mil VO ballistic test for impact;
5. Lifetime frame guarantee;
6. Soft nylon carry case;
7. 2 lenses included: Clear and gray tint for bright conditions;
8. Easy and economical lens replacement system;
9. Adjustable temple length and lens inclination;
10. Meets NSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 standards.
4.23.3 UTILIZATION OF PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
A. Firearms Range – officers will bring the issued safety glasses to the range each time they are to qualify with a firearm. Follow all range rules regarding the use of safety glasses while at the range.
B. Routine Patrol – officers must carry the protective eyewear with them in the patrol vehicle for the duration of each patrol shift as required by OSHA. It is recommended the clear lens be installed for patrol use.
C. Recommendations for Patrol Usage – While it is impossible to protect against all potential injuries and exposures, the Department has a responsibility to assist you in that endeavor. With this in mind, there are situations that more often than not, may present the potential for eye injury or exposure to airborne pathogens. The Department, therefore, offers these guidelines for the use of protective eyewear while on patrol:
1. Very strong recommendation for usage under the following circumstances or dispatched call types:
a. Stabbings – elevated potential for blood exposure;
b. Shootings - elevated potential for blood exposure;
c. Fights – elevated potential for blood exposure and higher incidence of impact injury to eye;
d. Emotionally Disturbed Persons – elevated potential for airborne pathogens including bodily fluids of all types;
e. Any call type where Taser or pepper spray may be deployed.
2. Strongly recommended for usage under the following circumstances or dispatched call types:
a. Chemical or biological threats – elevated potential for unknown substances to enter the eye;
b. Traffic control at accident scenes – elevated potential for dust and debris to be kicked up by passing motorists;
c. Building clearance – elevated potential for dust, debris and other unknown hazards to impact facial area;
d. Dog track – elevated potential for injury to eye due to unanticipated environmental conditions including trees, weeds, wires, hanging objects, insects, etc.
e. Foot pursuit – elevated potential for injury to eye due to unanticipated environmental conditions including trees, weeds, wires, hanging objects, insects, etc
Carla C. Piluso
Chief of Police
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