What item should be worn to protect your eyes when working with hazardous chemicals?

Wearing safety goggles is essential when working with hazardous chemicals, as they provide critical protection for the eyes against splashes, particles, and harmful vapors. Safety goggles are designed to form a seal around the eyes, preventing any chemicals from coming into contact with them, which could otherwise lead to serious eye injuries or long-term damage.

While face shields also offer protection for the face and eyes, they may not provide the same level of secure coverage around the eyes as goggles do, especially when dealing with splashes from liquid chemicals. Gloves, on the other hand, are necessary for hand protection but do not address the need for eye safety. A hard hat is primarily for head protection and does not apply to safeguarding the eyes in this context. Therefore, safety goggles are the most appropriate choice for ensuring eye safety when working with hazardous chemicals.