You need an Eye Protection sign when there is a hazard in an area that can hurt your eyes. This includes things like flying debris, chemical splashes, UV or infrared radiation, laser exposure, or fine particles in the air. A general PPE sign tells you to wear lots of protective gear at the same time. An Eye Protection sign makes it clear that you need to protect your eyes, which is really important in places where eye injuries can happen easily.

You need them in areas where people are grinding or cutting things, handling chemicals, welding or brazing, working with wood, doing lab work, painting or doing jobs where things might fall from above. You also need them in areas where people are working with liquids or gases. Basically you need Eye Protection signs where something could suddenly hit someone in the eyes.

It depends on the hazard. If there are flying particles or dust, you should use safety glasses with side shields. If there are chemicals that could splash, you should use goggles. If there is welding or brazing going on, you should use a welding helmet or shades. If there is a risk of splashes or impacts, you should use a face shield. The sign is most helpful when it tells you what kind of protection to use, rather than leaving it up to you to figure it out.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 specifically covers eye and face protection and requires employers to provide protection that is appropriate for the specific hazards workers face. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 covers the broader PPE assessment requirement. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145 covers accident-prevention signs and tags. ANSI Z87.1 is the standard for eye and face protection equipment itself.

Yes, they do. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that most eye injuries at work happen to people who were not wearing eye protection. Putting up a sign at the entrance to an area is a simple thing to do, and it can really help prevent injuries.

Yes, they should. A picture of safety glasses or goggles can instantly tell you what you need to wear without needing to read any words. This is especially helpful in workplaces where people speak different languages. A sign, with a picture, can communicate the message to everyone no matter what language they speak.