Which item is explicitly listed as a basic item of personal protective equipment in a chemistry laboratory?

• A. Safety glasses or goggles.
• B. Hard hat.
• C. Hearing protection.
• D. Safety harness.

Answer: (A)

Eye protection is the essential first line of defense in any chemistry lab because chemicals can splash, vapors can irritate the eyes, and tiny debris can cause injury. Safety glasses or goggles are specifically designed to shield the eyes from splashes and debris, making them the item that labs consistently list as a basic piece of personal protective equipment. The other items—hard hat, hearing protection, and safety harness—fit different environments or situations (construction, noisy workplaces, or work at height) and aren’t standard PPE in a typical chemistry lab. So safety glasses or goggles are the best choice because they directly address the primary eye-safety need in most lab settings.