On the table below (Table 3.2), eye and face protection equipments can be seen.
Table 3.2 Eye and Face Protection | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Glasses | Splash goggles | Laser goggles | Face shields |
| Safety glasses provide eye protection from moderate impact and particles associated with grinding, sawing, scaling, broken glass, and minor chemical splashes, etc. | Splash goggles provide adequate | The lens of the eyewear is a | Face shields provide additional protection |
 |  |  |  |
(Images courtesy of Egebant)
Adopted from Cornell University Environmental Health & Safety Department.
Eye Protection
The use of contact lenses is not recommended while working with chemicals that cause eye irritation.
Eye protection should be worn at all times while working with hazardous chemicals/biological materials or any physical hazards in the laboratory. Visitors should be provided with temporary protective goggles or, at least, protective glasses if they are allowed in any area in which the occupational use of eye protection is required.
Using contact lenses:
In the event of a chemical accident to the eyes, there could be some protection but, on the other hand, the presence of the lens would be an impediment to prompt and thorough flushing of the eyes. The lens would have to be removed which might result in damage to the eye in itself. If, however, the wearer of contact lens conscientiously wears a good-quality pair of goggles at all times when there is a possibility of an incident occurring, there is probably little risk in wearing contact lens. Even in the latter case, where extremely corrosive vapors are likely to be involved, there is a possibility of capillary action causing these vapors to be drawn under the contact lens, and the wearer should exercise caution if there is any suspicion that this could happen.
Safety glasses
Safety glasses provide eye protection from moderate effect and particles connected with grinding, sawing, scaling, broken glass, and minor chemical splashes, and so forth. Side defenders are required when there is a risk from flying items. In prescription form for those people requiring corrective lenses, safety glasses are accessible. In the case of safety glasses don't give sufficient insurance to procedures that include substantial synthetic utilize, such as, blending, pouring, or blending, splash goggles should be utilized.
Splash goggles
Including potential chemical splash hazards, utilization of concentrated corrosive material, and bulk chemical transfer splash goggles give satisfactory eye protection from numerous dangers. Goggles are available with clear or tinted lenses, fog proofing, and vented or non-vented frames. Be aware that goggles intended for carpentry (can be recognized by the various small holes throughout the face piece) are not fitting for working with chemicals. In the event of a splash, chemicals could enter into these small holes, and result in a chemical exposure to the face. Ensure the goggles you pick are evaluated for use with chemicals.
Laser goggles
The lens of the eyewear is a filter/absorber designed to reduce light transmittance of a specific wavelength. The lens can filter out (or absorb) a specific wavelength while maintaining adequate light transmission for other wavelengths.
A single pair of safety glasses is not available for protection from all LASER outputs. The type of eye protection required is dependent on the spectral frequency or specific wavelength of the laser source. See the Laser Safety section for more information.
Face Protection
Face shields
When utilized in combination with safety glasses or splash goggles, face shields provide additional protection to the eyes and face. Face shields comprise of a flexible headgear and face shield of tinted or clear lenses or a mesh wire screen. When the whole face needs assurance, they ought to be utilized as a part of operations and worn to shield the eyes and face from flying particles, metal sparks, and chemical/biological splashes. Face shields with a mesh wire screen are not appropriate for use with chemicals. Face shields must not be used alone and are not a substitute for appropriate eyewear and they should always be worn in conjunction with an essential type of eye protection, for example, safety glasses or splash goggles.