Eye Protection in Laboratory Spaces

In any space where research happens—laboratories, greenhouses, growth chambers, or clinical settings—eye protection isn’t optional. It’s your first and most critical defense against injury. Eye injuries are among the most common and preventable incidents in research environments. Wearing lightweight, ANSI Z87-rated safety glasses, goggles, or face shields significantly reduces the risk of permanent eye damage and promotes a culture of prevention.

Every day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries requiring medical treatment. These incidents are often caused by overlooked hazards such as bleach, 70% ethanol, or materials undergoing rapid temperature changes (e.g., heating agarose). Under OSHA’s laboratory standard, and as outlined in Cornell’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, eye protection is mandatory wherever such risks exist.

Principal Investigators (PIs) and lab supervisors are responsible for ensuring compliance through documented risk assessments, task-specific training, and visible signage (e.g., on HASP signs). Visitors must also wear protective eyewear when entering any active research space.

Eye Protection in Biological Laboratories

CDC guidance reinforces that specific biological procedures create splash hazards. According to the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL):

Protective eyewear is worn by personnel when conducting procedures that have the potential to create splashes and sprays of microorganisms or other hazardous materials.

Examples of such procedures include:

• Pipetting
• Mixing or vortexing
• Loading syringes
• Centrifuging or opening containers
• Pouring liquids, streaking plates
• Cleaning with disinfectants

If any of these activities are performed, eye protection is required—no exceptions.

When Working in Research and Lab Spaces

• Identify hazards early. Chemicals, disinfectants, biohazards, optical radiation, and thermal risks all require appropriate protection.
• Use the right eyewear. Only ANSI Z87-rated safety glasses with side shields or wraparound design meet regulatory requirements.
• Corrective lenses aren’t enough. Use prescription safety glasses or OTG (over-the-glasses) options.
• Fit matters. Perform fit-testing with users to ensure both protection and comfort.
• Know your emergency plan. Learn how to locate and use the nearest eyewash station. Report all exposures, injuries, or near misses via the incident reporting form.

Types of Eye Protection

Selecting the right type of eye protection depends on the task and materials in use. All protective eyewear must meet applicable OSHA and ANSI requirements. Enforcement is the responsibility of the PI or lab manager.

Safety Glasses

Suitable for moderate-risk tasks such as sawing, grinding, glass handling, and protection from minor splashes. Must include side shields. Not sufficient for concentrated chemical handling.

Chemical Safety Goggles

Provide a sealed barrier against splashes, concentrated solutions, and bulk chemical transfer. Some goggles are designed to fit over corrective lenses.

Laser Safety Goggles

Specialized protection against specific laser wavelengths. Selection must be based on wavelength and optical density requirements for the equipment in use.

Face Shields

Extend from brow to below the chin and across the face. Useful for splash protection but must be worn with safety glasses or goggles when impact protection is needed.

How to Obtain Protective Eyewear

1. Conduct a lab-specific risk assessment to determine the correct type of protective eyewear.
2. Procure general or prescription safety glasses through vendors such as VWR or Grainger.
   • For shared lab use, order multiple sizes and fit-test each team member.

Who pays? Required PPE—including eye protection—must be provided at no cost to personnel. This is a regulatory obligation under OSHA. PIs or departments are responsible for covering costs through grant, departmental, or safety funds.

Contact EHS Research Safety for guidance on selection and fit-testing procedures.

For more information, visit the EHS PPE Program homepage.

FAQs

• Where do I get safety glasses?
  Order them through Cornell’s eShop using approved vendors like VWR or Grainger. Your PI or department is responsible for ensuring you have access to properly fitting eyewear.
• Do I have to wear safety glasses even if I'm not doing active work?
  Yes. If hazardous materials—especially chemicals—are present in the space, protective eyewear must be worn at all times, even if no one is currently conducting procedures.
• What if I'm not the one using chemicals?
  You still need eye protection. Your lab mate’s work, even across the bench, can create an exposure risk. Shared spaces mean shared responsibility.
• Is this really that serious?
  Yes. Safety glasses are the most basic form of laboratory protection. Wearing them is a regulatory requirement, and working without them would be considered inexcusable by any corporate, academic, or government research employer.