DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
eye protection policy
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
eye protection policy
Appropriate eye protection must be worn at all times by everyone in the laboratories. Anyone not wearing adequate eye protection will be told to leave the laboratory. Each laboratory instructor may have additional policies; check with the instructor.
| Safety glasses (spectacles) with side shields are the minimum level of eye protection required for any type of work with or around hazardous chemicals or chemical products. Safety glasses must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards (It will be marked on the frame). The Colgate University Bookstore sells approved safety glasses. Safety glasses do not provide complete protection against splash or spray because they do not fit tightly to your face. |  |
Prescription glasses (with or without side shields) are not an acceptable substitution for safety glasses. Safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards must be worn over prescription glasses unless they are prescription safety glasses and carry the ANSI Z87.1 mark on the frame.
Contact lens should not be worn in the laboratory as they prevent proper flushing of the eyes in case of an accident. In addition, some organic chemicals may attack the contact lens material causing the lens to dissolve n the eye. Instead wear prescription glasses with adequate safety protection.
| In the organic chemistry lab, safety (splash) goggles rather than safety glasses, must be worn. Goggles have indirect ventilation and form a tight seal to the face. |  |