I no longer have the instructions, but don't remember being told to wear goggles.  Some of the corner posts fit very tight and were difficult to pound into the joining bracket.  I had to pound them very hard to lock them in place.  I wear glasses, so I didn't have a problem, but when you join the two corner posts together to make it 72", small chips of metal fly off.  I believe wearing glasses or goggles is a must when putting these together! 

They work great in my downstairs storage area.