Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

Safety glasses with side shields should be worn with what for additional eye protection?

1. Sunglasses

2. Shaded lens

3. Ear plugs

4. A welding helmet

The correct answer is: A welding helmet

Wearing safety glasses with side shields is crucial for protecting the eyes from flying debris, chemicals, or harmful rays. However, in specific work environments, such as in welding, additional eye protection is necessary to shield against more intense hazards. A welding helmet is equipped with a specialized lens that protects against potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation generated during the welding process, as well as sparks and molten metal. Using safety glasses with side shields in conjunction with a welding helmet provides comprehensive protection, as the helmet serves as an added layer that guards against extreme light and heat, which standard safety glasses alone might not adequately protect against. This combination is essential to ensuring that the eyes are fully shielded during operations that can cause serious eye injuries. Other options, like sunglasses, shaded lenses, or ear plugs, do not provide the necessary protection from the specific hazards encountered in welding situations, such as intense light and heat. Thus, the combination of safety glasses with side shields and a welding helmet is the most effective way to safeguard the eyes in hazardous environments.