When must safety glasses be worn in the shop?

• A. Only when painting
• B. Only during lunch
• C. At all times while in the work area
• D. Only when using power tools

Answer: (C)

Eye safety in the shop hinges on protecting yourself whenever you’re in the work area because hazards can appear from many activities, not just one. Debris, dust, chemical splashes, or flying particles can occur during sanding, grinding, drilling, cleaning, or even handling parts, so wearing safety glasses at all times in the work area minimizes the chance of eye injuries. If you wear prescription glasses, use safety glasses that fit over them or safety-rated frames for proper protection. In higher-risk tasks you might add a face shield or goggles, but the key idea is protection throughout your time in the shop. Choosing to wear protection only during painting or only during use of power tools leaves you unprotected during other common tasks.