In a chemistry course, dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials are found in nearly every experiment or lab that students are asked to perform. The mishandling of these substances can lead to severe injury, health detriments, or even fatality, so all hazardous materials that are used in chemistry must be handled with extreme caution at all times. One important safety aspect that students must acknowledge in a chemistry course is protection of the eye area. When performing a chemistry experiment, one must ensure that he or she is not wearing contact lenses, and that the eyes are completely protected with chemistry goggles. The following guidelines will teach chemistry students how to use chemistry goggles in a safe and effective manner.
Step One: Obtain the Proper Goggles
Each chemistry student must have a pair of chemistry goggles that properly fits his or her face. Especially in middle school or high school environments, students' sizes will vary greatly, so all lab instructors should have a wide range of goggle sizes. Adjustable head straps will help the chemistry goggles to fit a wider range of students, but the lab instructor should still have a varying range of eyepiece sizes. To ensure a proper fit, one should make sure that the eyepiece completely suctions to the face and there are no gaps where a hazardous substance could enter the goggles.
Step Two: Clean the Goggles
It is vital that chemistry goggles are cleaned between every use. Ideally, the goggles will have been cleaned by the previous wearer after completing their experiment, but one can never be sure of this. Therefore, students should clean the chemistry goggles with a gentle, dry cloth before putting the goggles on. One should never wear chemistry goggles that are too clouded to see out of, or that have unidentifiable stains on the eyepiece or headband.
Step Three: Adjust the Goggles' Fit
After identifying a pair of chemistry goggles that will fit one's head, one must adjust the goggles so that they are completely secure. First, the headband should be loosened so that the goggles can be easily slipped over the head. The back of the headband should then be tightened until the eyepiece rests firmly but comfortably against the face. This can be accomplished more smoothly when working in partners. Finally, one should further tighten the headband by pulling at the straps to the sides of both eyes. The goggles have been tightened enough when the eyepiece seals against one's face. Once the goggles have been properly adjusted, one can proceed with his or her experiment.
Step Four: Safely Store the Goggles
After the lab or experiment has been completed, it is important that the goggles are stored carefully in order to preserve them for future students. The headband should be loosened completely before removing the goggles from the head. Next, if nothing has stained them, the goggles should be cleaned with a dry cloth. If a hazardous chemical or material has splashed the chemistry goggles, they should be taken to a lab instructor for proper disinfecting. Never touch a dangerous material with bare hands.
