Which protective equipment is recommended for chipping and grinding tasks?

• A. Sunglasses
• B. No eye protection required
• C. Prescription safety glasses only
• D. Safety glasses, goggles, and/or face shields

Answer: (D)

Chipping and grinding throw high-velocity particles and sparks that can injure the eyes, so eye protection must be impact-rated and provide good coverage. Safety glasses, goggles, and/or a face shield are designed for this purpose, meeting impact standards and offering the right level of protection. Safety glasses with side shields guard the eyes from particles coming from the sides. Goggles create a seal around the eyes, protecting against dust and small debris. A face shield adds facial protection and can be used on top of eye protection for extra safety, especially when larger chips or hot sparks are involved. Sunglasses don’t meet the required impact protection for industrial tasks, and opting for no eye protection is unsafe. Prescription safety glasses can be acceptable if they are rated for impact, but the broad recommendation covers all protective forms that meet the standards.