Lab Safety Personal Protection Equipment Requirements

  • Carefully inspect all protective equipment prior to use. Do not use defective equipment.
  • When the potential for a splash hazard is present (e.g. chemistry laboratories), eye protection in the form of chemical-resistant goggles shall be worn at all times in the laboratory. Ordinary prescription glasses and/or standard safety glasses are not considered effective eye protection since they lack necessary shielding. Chemical-resistant goggles should be worn over glasses or contacts for employees who wear corrective lenses.
  • When working with corrosive, toxic, allergenic, or sensitizing chemicals, rough or sharp-edged objects, very hot or very cold materials, gloves made of material known to be protective for the hazard shall be worn.
    –No one glove can protect against all hazards. Cloth gloves, while not appropriate for use around liquids, can protect against light abrasive materials and moderate temperature changes. Synthetic or rubber gloves protect against corrosives, solvents, and poisons. Leather gloves, often used for tasks like welding, protect against sparks, heat and rough abrasives.
    –Consult the manufacturer’s performance chart or contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to determine the proper choice of glove material. Appendix X in the CHP has a glove selection chart that can be used to inform glove choices.
  • Low-heeled shoes with fully covered uppers shall be worn at all times in the laboratory. Shoes or sandals with open toes shall not be worn.
  • Long pants and garments with long sleeves must be worn when working with or around chemicals.
  • Long hair should be held in place behind the head.
  • Caution should be taken when wearing loose clothing not to inadvertently allow cuffs, sleeves, or other materials to knock over or absorb chemicals.
  • A full-body-length rubber, plastic, or neoprene apron appropriate for the material being handled should be worn if there is risk of splash or spill.
  • A proper respirator must be worn whenever exposure by inhalation is likely to exceed the action level or PEL and a fume hood is not accessible. Procedures specified in the UHM Respiratory Protection Program must be followed. Employees must be medically qualified, trained, and fit-tested prior to using a respirator. Contact the CHO before doing any work requiring a respirator.
  • Remove all PPE before leaving the laboratory.