Protective eyeware is required in laboratories. Safety glasses or goggles should be an integral part of any and all experimentation which utilizes chemicals. Always wear adequate eye and face protection when performing tasks such as grinding, buffing, welding, chipping, cutting, or pouring chemicals. Safety glasses with side shields provide protection against impact and some splashes. Safety goggles provide protection against impact, splashes, and hazardous atmospheres.
Face shields protect the face.
It is highly advisable and prudent to wear both goggles and face shield such as when pouring acids or when welding. Do not wear contact lenses in the laboratory or other areas where hazardous atmospheres may be present. Contact lenses provide no eye protection and may reduce the effectiveness of an emergency eyewash. If you wear prescription glasses, wear goggles or other safety protection over the glasses. Safety glasses with side shields provide primary protection to eyes and are four times as resistant as prescription glasses to impact injuries.