Safety during a solar eclipse is crucial, as looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause severe eye damage or even blindness. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during a solar eclipse:
Use certified solar viewing glasses
Specialized solar viewing glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification provide adequate protection for viewing the sun. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are not safe for viewing the sun during an eclipse.
Use solar filters for telescopes and binoculars
If you plan to observe the eclipse through a telescope or binoculars, ensure that you have a solar filter specifically designed for such equipment. Regular filters won’t provide sufficient protection.
Pinhole projectors
An indirect way to view the eclipse is by creating a pinhole projector. This involves creating a small hole in a piece of cardboard and projecting the image of the sun onto another surface, such as a piece of paper or the ground. This method is safe and allows you to observe the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.
Live streams or broadcasts
If viewing the eclipse directly is not feasible or safe for you, consider watching live streams or broadcasts of the event. Many organizations provide live coverage of solar eclipses, allowing you to experience the phenomenon safely from your location.
Be cautious with cameras and smartphones
Just as it is dangerous to look directly at the sun with your eyes, it’s also unsafe to point cameras or smartphones directly at the sun without proper protection. If you want to capture images of the eclipse, use solar filters on your camera lens or attach your smartphone to a telescope with a solar filter.
Protect pets and wildlife
Remember that the eclipse may affect animals as well. Keep pets indoors or ensure they do not look directly at the sun during the event.
Be aware of your surroundings
If you’re in a crowded area during the eclipse, be mindful of people around you who may not be taking proper precautions. Warn others about the dangers of looking directly at the sun without protection. By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy the wonder of a solar eclipse while protecting your eyes and ensuring a safe viewing experience.
Scott Davidson, Safety and Education Director, is available to further discuss fire protection on construction sites. As a benefit of your membership to MCA/CPCA, there is no fee for the following services provided:
- Job Site Inspections
- Tool Box Talks
- Site Specific Safety Programs
- Help with Third Party Safety Plans (ISNET)
- Onsite, at your shop, or at our facility training (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, Fall Protection, PPE, Haz Com, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, OSHA Refresher and more)
- Site Specific Safety Consulting (Fall Protection, Confined Space, Trenching and Excavation and more
- You can call Scott for more information