Personal Protective Equipment in the Lab
For personal protective equipment (PPE) to be effective, it must be used and managed properly. Lab supervisors, department heads, and/or someone from the Environmental Health and Safety office will determine the need for personal protective equipment, monitor its effectiveness, and enforce the proper use.
The following guidelines for lab clothing and PPE are offered from a safety standpoint.
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In teaching laboratories using chemicals, splash goggles are required. Remember: Wearing the wrong eye protection is as dangerous as wearing no eye protection!
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In laboratories where flying particle hazards exist, safety glasses or goggles are required. In some cases, face shields may also be required.
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Use and Maintenance of Eye Protection is an important part of this program. Follow these guidelines
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Put on your eye protection whenever you enter the lab or work area.
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Stay out of areas where eye protection is required when you don’t have the appropriate gear.
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Watch out for the other guy – make sure everyone working around you has his/her eye protection on.
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Be sure the eye wear you have will protect you from the hazards you are exposed to.
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Be sure your eye protection fits properly and is comfortable.
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Clean your glasses/goggles/face shield after each use.
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Inspect the lenses, frames, straps, etc. for damage and wear before each use.
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Store in a drawer or other area where it won’t get scratched or contaminated.
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Replace your eye protection if the lenses are scratched or pitted.
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