with respirators caused an increased risk to the wearer's safety. It is prudent that a contact lens wearer practice wearing a respirator (with their lenses "in") to see if any problems occur before the respirator is used on a full-time or emergency basis. The OSHA technical manual states "allows the use of contact lenses with respirators where the wearer has successfully worn such lenses before". Can you wear contact lenses when welding? The CSA Standard W117.2 states that contact lenses should not be worn by welders and welding personnel. Contact lenses do not provide protection from ultraviolet radiation and flying objects. All workers in proximity to welding procedures must wear appropriate eye protection according to the circumstances. Reports of contact lenses being "welded" to the cornea (or lens of the eye) as a result of exposure to an arc flash have been proven to be incorrect. It is impossible for contact lenses to become "welded" to the cornea. Are there any laws about wearing contact lenses? In Canada, legislation varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and between legislation covering various industrial settings. For the most up-to-date information and for guidance, application or interpretation of these laws or guidelines, you should contact your local jurisdiction directly. Examples of legislative references include: Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code (2009), Section 230 Contact lenses 230. An employer must ensure that, if wearing contact lenses poses a hazard to the worker's eyes during work, the worker is advised of the hazards and the alternatives to