When the laboratory worker is in doubt of proper usage procedures, the CHO or Laboratory Supervisor or PI can provide appropriate instruction. Because of the vulnerability and fragility of the eye, laboratory workers, visitors and students must wear eye protection at all times while in the lab. These devices should be inspected regularly to maintain proper working order. Additionally, safety glasses and goggles should be cleaned and inspected frequently for scratches, fogging, and replaced if they are found to reduce visibility. Safety glasses are the minimum acceptable eye protection, and should be made of impact-resistant hardened glass or plastic.
Many safety glasses have side shields molded into or attached onto the earpieces.
Side shields on safety glasses provide some peripheral protection, but cannot provide adequate shielding from all flying debris and chemical splashes. Other eye protection should be worn when significant hazard exists. Safety Goggles Safety goggles provide protection for the eye from flying objects or splashing chemicals. To prevent lenses from fogging, impact- protection goggles have screened areas on the sides to provide ventilation. However, these do not provide full shielding from chemical splashes.