Eye Protection Program
Labs contain hazardous materials and as such, appropriate eye protection must be worn at all times as required by the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan. This also applies to individuals who are in labs only temporarily, such as maintenance or administrative personnel. UMass EHS provides a free pair of safety glasses or chemical splash goggles to all individuals who work in a lab, shop, or studio. You can order your safety glasses/googles by selecting from the form linked at the top of this page. Please note that students in teaching labs are required to provide their own eye protection or it should be supplied as part of the class. If you would like to try on safety glasses/goggles prior to ordering, please stop by Draper Hall 102 between 11am-12pm on Mondays, or email us at [email protected] to set up an appointment.
See our Video on the Eye Protection Program to learn more
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses worn in labs must have impact-resistant lenses, include side protection, and comply with ANSI standard Z87.1 (compliant eyewear will be labelled with "Z87" on the frame). When selecting a pair of safety glasses, comfort and fit are important. EHS stocks a variety of styles to accommodate most researchers.
Over-The-Glass (OTG) Safety Glasses
Designed to fit over prescription eyewear. Standard prescription eyewear is not rated for impact and does not provide sufficient coverage. As such, standard prescription glasses are not an appropriate means of eye protection in the lab.
Chemical Splash Goggles
Tight fitting, complete coverage of eye area, preventing liquids or articles from entering the eyes from above or below. Provides protection from impact, dust, and splashes. Should be worn when there is a risk of splashing, spraying, or misting of any hazardous substance.
You may need additional or specialized eye protection depending on the type of lab work being performed (e.g. work with lasers or UV light), in which case you should receive lab-specific training, EHS training, and be provided appropriate PPE by the lab supervisor. Regardless of the type eye protection used, it is important to keep it clean and periodically check for damage.
Emergency Eyewash and Drench Shower Program
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation that applies to emergency eyewashes and safety showers is applicable to all facilities that require this equipment as a form of first aid. This regulation, 29 CFR 1910.151 (c) (Medical Services and First Aid), states that: "Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use." Furthermore, it specifies where and when emergency eyewash and shower equipment must be available. These regulations do not specify minimum operating requirements, installation requirements, or maintenance requirements. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z358.1-1990 (Revised 2004), "Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment," provides guidance on selection, installation, operation and maintenance of this equipment to meet OSHA requirements. The Emergency Eyewash and Shower Program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMA) was developed to offer guidance on the proper installation, inspection and repair of eyewashes and drench showers. Weekly flushing of eye wash stations must be performed by the workplace personnel.