Which safety measure protects against eye exposure?

• A. Clean surface, wear gloves and lab coat
• B. Always wear goggles
• C. Cap flasks containing volatile liquids
• D. Use a dustpan and broom to clean up broken glass

Answer: (B)

Protecting the eyes in the lab hinges on having a barrier between the eyes and potential hazards. Safety goggles are designed to shield the eyes from chemical splashes, dust, aerosols, and flying debris, providing a direct and reliable defense against eye exposure. Eye injuries can happen quickly and from many sources, so wearing goggles consistently during experiments is the most effective way to prevent exposure.

Other measures support safety but don’t direct the eyes. Wearing gloves and a lab coat protects skin and clothing, but leaves the eyes unprotected. Caping flasks for volatile liquids helps contain vapors and reduce contact, but it doesn’t provide a robust eye barrier. Cleaning up broken glass with a dustpan and broom reduces injury risk during cleanup, yet it doesn’t prevent exposure during the incident itself and can spread particles if not done carefully. The essential point is that goggles directly block hazards from reaching the eyes.