I know you asked for responses from industrial labs and ours are academic, but the regs really don’t care so I’m going to respond anyway.

Chemical splash goggles with indirect vents (“fitted goggles” as you called them).  You are using HF. There is no excuse for using safety glasses instead of goggles.

If you buy a good-quality goggle like the Uvex Stealth, with anti-fog & anti-scratch coating, comfort will not be an issue.  I forget I have mine on  sometimes.

Mary M. Cavanaugh CIH

University Industrial Hygienist

Safety & Workers' Comp. Office

cavanaughmm**At_Symbol_Here**appstate . edu

(828) 262-6838 Direct

(828) 262-2936 Fax

What we (and federal OSHA) use for enforcement purposes is ANSI Z87.1 Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. This will provide you with the guidance you are looking for.

- Diane Amell, MNOSHA

I would like to receive comments, information about current practices, and legal implications regarding eye protection in industrial analytical/RD laboratories. Obviously, OSHA 1910.133(a)(1) applies but no direction is given. Safety, comfort, and compliance are paramount. The lab personnel are trained chemists and would handle many different chemicals including both concentrated and dilute acids, bases, and other materials common to analytical techniques. The acids would include hydrofluoric and perchloric. No pyrophoric or extremely toxic materials like methyl mercury are involved. Bench top and hood operations are to be considered.

 

There are many combination of PPE but I think the following 4 include the important possibilities: (1) safety glasses with side shields, (2) safety glasses with side shields and full face protection, (3) fitted goggles with indirect vents, and (4) fitted goggles without vents.

 

Regards,

Ernie Lippert