What type of eye protection should you always wear in the lab, even if you wear glasses?

In a laboratory setting, the importance of proper eye protection cannot be overstated, as chemical splashes, flying debris, and potential explosions pose significant risks to eye safety. Lab safety goggles are specifically designed to provide a secure fit around the eyes, ensuring that there are no gaps through which hazardous materials can enter.

While safety glasses offer some level of protection, they typically do not seal against the sides of the face, which can leave the eyes vulnerable. Additionally, contact lenses are not suitable as they can trap hazardous materials against the eye and may cause further irritation or injury. Regular sunglasses also fail to meet safety standards required for a lab environment, as they do not provide sufficient protection against chemical spills or other hazards found in a laboratory.

Using lab safety goggles ensures maximum protection and is a critical component of personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in potentially dangerous environments.