Eye and face protection must protect you from the specific hazards that you may encounter in your workplace. Is this statement TRUE or FALSE?

• A. Depends
• B. True
• C. False
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that eye and face protection is chosen to guard against the exact hazards you may encounter in the workplace. You need to assess the tasks you’ll perform and the risks involved, then select PPE that is designed to protect against those specific hazards—impact from debris, chemical splashes, radiant or ultraviolet light from welding, heat, or other dangers. That’s why protective gear must meet the appropriate performance standards and be appropriate for the hazard present (for example, impact-rated safety glasses for grinding, splash goggles for chemical handling, and welding helmets for arc welding). If protection isn’t matched to the hazard, you aren’t adequately protected. Therefore, the statement is true.