Safety glasses are not enough for everything

Safety glasses with side shields protect against flying particles. They do not seal against chemical splash, do not protect against chemical vapors, and are not rated for welding or high-energy laser work. Knowing when to upgrade to goggles or a face shield prevents injuries that safety glasses alone can't stop.

When to use goggles

Indirect-vent chemical goggles are required for chemical splash hazards — mixing chemicals, pouring acids or caustic liquids, working with spray pesticides. The seal around your eyes prevents liquid from getting in from any direction. If there's a splash risk, safety glasses are not adequate protection.

Face shields

A face shield protects your face but is not a substitute for eye protection underneath — wear safety glasses or goggles under a face shield. Use a face shield for grinding, chipping, or any task where large fragments or significant splash could hit your face.

Prescription wearers

If you wear prescription glasses, you have two compliant options: prescription safety glasses that meet ANSI Z87.1, or over-the-glass (OTG) safety glasses that fit over your prescription frames. Regular prescription glasses are not safety glasses. Wearing regular glasses under goggles is acceptable for chemical work.

Discussion question

What eye hazards exist in today's work, and does the eye protection everyone is wearing match the actual hazard — not just 'whatever was in the box'?

Documentation Reminder

Record this meeting: date, topic ("Eye Protection — Choosing and Using It Right"), names of attendees, and facilitator. A signed attendance sheet filed with your safety records is your training documentation. OSHA treats documented safety meetings as evidence of good faith.

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