When is it crucial to use protective eye wear in the laboratory?

• A. Only during experiments involving open flames
• B. Only if you wear contact lenses
• C. Whenever you are working with chemicals, glassware, or heat sources
• D. Only when handling concentrated acids or bases

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that protective eye wear is a safety measure designed to prevent eye injuries from various laboratory hazards.
2. Recognize that laboratory hazards include chemicals (which can splash), broken glassware (which can shatter), and heat sources (which can cause burns or sparks).
3. Note that limiting eye protection only to specific situations like open flames or contact lenses use is insufficient because many other risks exist in the lab environment.
4. Therefore, the safest and most comprehensive practice is to wear protective eye wear whenever working with chemicals, glassware, or heat sources to minimize the risk of eye injury.
5. Conclude that this approach ensures consistent safety regardless of the specific task or materials involved.