4.2 Personal protection
A protective lab coat and safety glasses should be worn at all times in the laboratory.
For most laboratory work, a cotton lab coat is required. When working in clean rooms, a polyester lab coat may be more appropriate, except when handling open flames, heat, or chemicals reacting with the fabrics that could cause the polyester to melt and inflict serious skin burns.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used to protect against illness or accident. Protective equipment is provided by the employer.
Find out what protective and rescue equipment is available in your department or division and where it is located. The head of division, responsible for the work environment, must ensure that there is an adequate supply of functional personal protective equipment available.
Examples of personal protective equipment
- Protective/chemical resistant lab coat or apron
- Safety glasses or face shield/visor
- Gloves
- Ear protection, includes earmuffs and earplugs
- Respiratory protection
- Protective shoes or boots
Note! Lab coats must not be worn in public areas such as offices, eating areas, or lounges. A lab coat may transfer hazardous materials and contaminants into these areas and expose the general public.
In the laboratory
- Do not wear high-heeled shoes, open-toed shoes, sandals, or shoes with tops made of fabric, leather strips or other woven material.
- Do not wear shorts, cutoffs or miniskirts
Lab glove policy
Gloves or no gloves?
- Use an UNGLOVED hand to touch common surfaces. Gloves should never touch door handles, elevator buttons, telephones, lavatory faucets, or other common surfaces.
- Use a GLOVED hand if you touch hazardous materials inside the laboratory.
When necessary, always wear correct protective gloves. Gloves are made from various materials, but no single material is completely impervious to every chemical. Carefully examine the manufacturer’s claims and test data for gloves. Use them only as intended, specifically for protection against the penetration of the chemicals they were designed for.
Remember that over time, any glove, even if considered “impermeable,” can be penetrated by chemicals. This may occur without any visible effect on the material or without being felt.
Additionally, a glove that provides good protection against one chemical might not be effective against another. Consult the manufacturer, retailer, or product information sheet to determine the appropriate gloves for the specific chemicals you are using.
Note! Protective gloves are not allowed outside the lab. They may transfer hazardous materials and contaminants, which could pose risks to the general public.
