DCHAS-L Archives, Mar 14, 2024 - Re: [DCHAS-L] Safety Glasses or Safety Splash-proof Goggles

Hi Tammy,

I teach at a community college. We have the students sign a safety agreement that states that chemical splash goggles must be worn at all times when they are in the lab no matter what they are doing. If they take goggles off while in the lab they get a warning to put them on - final warning. The next time, they are told to leave the lab with loss of all the lab points. Students must put the goggles on before entering the room and don’t remove them until after they leave the lab. Students would also be written up for a code of conduct violation with the dean’s office for refusal to follow safety rules. We don’t have loaner goggles to give to students who forget them. It is important that all the lab professors model professional behavior and follow the rules too. After the first couple of weeks of class, everyone gets on board, but that first couple of weeks a few of the students challenge the goggles rule. We follow through on the promised penalty, no second chances. The loss of precious lab points really gets to them. Being summoned to the dean’s office is no fun either. We have been told by our insurance guy that the the professor could be held personally liable if reasonable and customary PPE and lab attire rules are not enforced. Besides that, it is the right thing to do. Good Luck!

From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU> on behalf of Cooper, Tammy L <00001c0337c33d76-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 1:15 PM
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Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Safety Glasses or Safety Splash-proof Goggles

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It is a requirement to wear splash-proof goggles in all of our labs. If a student does not comply, they receive a zero for the lab and could be dropped from the course. Our students are required to take a lab safety quiz and score 100% before they can begin working in the lab. Then, they sign a lab safety contract stating they will abide by all safety requirements. We have a no-tolerance policy on PPE compliance.

Best,

Tammy L.-Cooper

Tammy L.-Cooper

Environmental Compliance Officer/Hazardous Waste Coordinator

Phone: 864-597-4386 Fax: 864-597-4695

Email: coopertl**At_Symbol_Here**wofford.edu

Wofford College | Department of Chemistry

429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, S.C. 29303

From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU> On Behalf Of David EldrEdge
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 12:06 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Safety Glasses or Safety Splash-proof Goggles

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What is the consensus chemistry labs, splash-proof goggles or other (non-splash-proof with excellent ventilation)

I taught gen-chem labs at UVU for a few years, where they had a hard and fast rule, just as strong as the expectation that you wouldn't come into the lab without shoes or a shirt. Very high expectations were set for splash-proof, and there was never anyone pushing against donning splash-proof goggles, although fogging up was an issue that we battled for a few.

I started teaching again last semester at a different community college, teaching one nursing-level elementary chemistry lab. I had no issues—everyone wore splash-proof eye protection. I didn't have to say much about it.

This semester, I'm teaching both elementary and a gen-chem II lab. However, I have encountered a challenge: about five young ladies continue to test my will. Despite warnings and even including in the rubric for the past Monday's lab that they would be graded on safety, including the use of PPE, they still resist compliance. Twenty minutes into the lab, after a final warning, they all put their safety goggles on, but only for about 5 minutes before taking them off again.

This situation has left me pondering the best approach to ensure compliance without constantly policing the lab, which detracts from the educational experience for all involved. I'm reaching out to this community for advice and strategies you might have used to encourage consistent use of safety goggles in your labs.

First of all, how important is mandating splash-proof goggles? I'm noticing among other institutions, even educational videos, many are not using splash-proof goggles, e.g. just safety glasses.

Secondly, how do you handle resistance or non-compliance, especially when it comes to something as critical as eye protection? Are there any particular methods, consequences, or educational strategies you've found effective in instilling the importance of these safety practices in your students?

Additionally, if splash-proof goggles are really that much more important than just safety glasses, any suggestions for dealing with the fogging issue in a way that doesn't compromise safety but might make students more inclined to keep their goggles on, I would greatly appreciate hearing those as well. (Anti-fog spray helps somewhat)

What is the level of liability risk for me and the school if students continue to not protect themselves? Is docking points off of their lab evidence enough that they have been put on notice as they continue to refuse to comply? They are adults, barely! Do they have a choice? Taking 10-20% off of their total lab might be something they are willing to accept in place of safety. IDK.

Thank you in advance for your insights and advice. The safety of our students is paramount, and as well as protection from potential liability.