Eye Protection

Eye protection is mandatory in all areas where there is potential for injury. This applies not only to persons who work continuously in these areas, but also to persons who may be in the area only temporarily, such as maintenance or clerical personnel. All eye protective equipment shall comply with the requirements set forth in the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z 87.1-1968, and the Oklahoma Eyeglass Protection Law of 1961. 

1. The type of eye protection required depends on the hazard. For most situations, safety glasses with side shields are adequate. Where there is a danger of splashing chemicals, goggles are required. More hazardous operations include conducting reactions that have potential for explosion and using or mixing strong caustics or acids. In these situations, a face shield or a combination of face shield and safety goggles or glasses should be used.

2. Plastic safety glasses should be issued to employees who do not require corrective lenses.

3. For persons requiring corrective lenses, safety glasses ground to their prescription are available in a safety frame. Contact Environmental Health Services for additional information about availability. Please note that the wearing of safety glasses does not excuse the employee from the requirement of wearing safety goggles.

4. It is recommended that contact lenses not be permitted in the laboratory. The reasons for this prohibition are:

   1. If a corrosive liquid should splash in the eye, the natural reflex to clamp the eyelids shut makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to remove the contact lens before damage is done.
   2. The plastic used in contact lenses is permeable to some of the vapors found in the laboratory. These vapors can be trapped behind the lenses and can cause extensive irritation.

   3. The lenses can prevent tears from removing the irritant. If Departmental Chemical Hygiene Officer chooses to allow contact lenses to be worn, they shall be protected by goggles designed specifically for use with contact lenses. (The protective goggles for use with contact lenses fit loosely around the eyes and have no vents for access by vapors.) If chemical vapors contact the eyes while wearing contact lenses, these steps should be followed:

      • Immediately remove the lenses.
      • Continuously flush the eyes, for at least 15 to 30 minutes.

      • Seek medical attention.

5. Although safety glasses are adequate protection for the majority of laboratory operations, they are not sufficient for certain specific operations where there is danger from splashes of corrosive liquids or flying particles. Examples are: washing glassware in chromic acid solution, grinding materials, or laboratory operations using glassware where there is significant hazard of explosion or breakage (i.e., in reduced or excess pressure or temperature). In such cases, goggles or face shields shall be worn if there is need for protection of the entire face and throat.

6. If, despite all precautions, an employee should experience a splash of corrosive liquid in the eye, the employee is to proceed (with the assistance of a co-worker, if possible) to the nearest eyewash fountain and flush the eyes with water for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Flush from the eye outward. During this time, a co-worker should notify the proper authorities.

   • Emergency eyewash stations and showers should be maintained in accordance with ANSI standard, Z-358.1-1998.

7. Visitors shall follow the same eye protection policy as employees. If they do not provide their own eye protection, it is the laboratory's responsibility to provide adequate protection. It should be the responsibility of the employee conducting the tour to enforce this policy. After use safety glasses/goggles used by visitors should be cleaned prior to reuse.

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Eye Protection

Clothing

Aprons--Rubber or Plastic?

Gloves

Respirators

Quiz