Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

Prescription Safety Eyewear
OSHA regulations require that employees who wear prescription lenses while engaged in
operations that involve eye hazards shall wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription in
its design, or must wear eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses (goggles,
face shields, etc.) without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the
protective lenses. Any prescription eyewear purchase must comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989.
Please Note: Contact lenses by themselves are not considered to be protective eyewear.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses provide eye protection from moderate impact and particles associated with
grinding, sawing, scaling, broken glass, and minor chemical splashes, etc. Side protectors are
required when there is a hazard from flying objects. Safety glasses are available in prescription
form for those persons needing corrective lenses. Safety glasses do not provide adequate
protection for processes that involve heavy chemical use such as stirring, pouring, or mixing. In
these instances, splash goggles should be used.
Splash Goggles
Splash goggles provide adequate eye protection from many hazards, including potential chemical
splash hazards, use of concentrated corrosive material, and bulk chemical transfer. Goggles are
available with clear or tinted lenses, fog proofing, and vented or non-vented frames. Be aware
that goggles designed for woodworking are not appropriate for working with chemicals. These
types of goggles can be identified by the numerous small holes throughout the facepiece. In the
event of a splash, chemicals could enter into the small holes, and result in a chemical exposure to
the face. Ensure that the goggles you choose are rated for use with chemicals.
Welder’s/Chippers’ Goggles
Welder’s goggles provide protection from sparking, scaling, or splashing metals and harmful
light rays. Lenses are impact resistant and are available in graduated lens shades. Goggles used
for chipping and grinding provide protection from flying particles. A dual protective eyecup
houses impact resistant clear lenses with individual cover plates.
Face Shields
Face shields provide additional protection to the eyes and face when used in combination with
safety glasses or splash goggles. Face shields consist of an adjustable headgear and face shield
of tinted or clear lenses or a mesh wire screen. They should be used in operations when the
entire face needs protection and should be worn to protect 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 are not intended to be used alone and
are not a substitute for appropriate eyewear. It is recommended that face shields always be
worn in conjunction with a primary form of eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles.
80