Laboratory Safety Glasses

Laboratory safety glasses are a must in any modern research or manufacturing center. Even chemicals that can be handled safely without gloves can cause serious irritation in the delicate mucous membranes of an eye. Injuries to the eyes can result in lost productivity and long term health problems for workers. A well made set of glasses will reduce the severity of accidents by protecting one of the most delicate areas of the human body from harm. Protective eyewear can also prevent workers from absentmindedly touching their eyes after handling chemicals. In an environment with flying debris, a good set of laboratory safety glasses will reduce eye irritation.

Since workers may need to wear eye protection for many hours straight while on the job, a good set of laboratory safety glasses should be comfortable as well as functional. A well designed set of protective glasses should have an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit. Workers who have access to comfortable eye protection are less likely to avoid wearing their safety glasses while on the job.

Schools should also mandate laboratory safety glasses during the lab portions of advanced science courses. Upper level biology and chemistry classes often require students to perform experiments with chemicals. While these compounds may be safe to handle, they should be kept away from the delicate membranes of a student’s eyes. Students should be expected to wear safety equipment even during experiments that do not involve noxious chemicals. By wearing proper eye protection each time they step into the lab, students will learn to take precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.

Administrators who purchase laboratory safety glasses for a classroom should remember to buy comfortable, high quality eye protection. Since one set of glasses may be used by many students over the years, a fully adjustable set will save money. Middle and high school students may need smaller glasses or special straps for extra adjustment. A high quality set of safety glasses can prevent injuries and eye irritation for anyone in a laboratory setting.