If blood or body fluid may be splashed or sprayed into the eye area, what proper protection should be used for the eyes?

Safety goggles are the appropriate form of eye protection when there is a risk of blood or body fluids being splashed or sprayed into the eye area. Goggles create a barrier that fits snugly around the eyes, offering comprehensive protection against contaminants. This design ensures that fluid cannot easily enter from the sides or through the top, which is especially crucial in medical or care environments where exposure to bodily fluids can occur.

While face shields provide extensive facial protection and can be a suitable choice in many scenarios, they do not seal around the eyes, potentially leaving them vulnerable to splashes. Surgical masks primarily protect the mouth and nose and do not provide any eye protection at all. Additionally, contact lenses are not designed to protect the eyes from splashes and could actually trap fluids against the surface of the eye, increasing the risk of infection or irritation. Thus, safety goggles are the most effective option for maintaining eye safety in potentially hazardous situations involving exposure to blood or body fluids.