Eye Protection

Eye protection is an important part of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) when working in a laboratory. There are potential risks of an accidental splashing of chemicals, flying objects and radiant energy. There are different styles but they should all fit snugly around the eyes. The first type is clear safety glasses which are suitable for minimal splash risk. Clear safety goggles should not have a cloth or foam seal. They can be direct vented goggles which protect from projectiles but not from splashes or vapour. Covered vents in indirect vented goggles allow for the passage of air but do not stop liquids. Non-vented goggles protect against dust, mist, liquid and vapour. A face shield is worn when there is a high risk of splashing but glasses or goggles should be worn underneath. Tinted glasses protect from radiant energy such as machinery using a laser. They vary according to the type of energy and wavelength being used. The optical density must be determined to choose the right glasses. All of these are available with prescription lenses. Eye protection should be worn in all laboratories but especially when removing hot liquids from the autoclave or when working with highly reactive chemicals and concentrated corrosives.