Personal Protective Equipment in Labs
Gloves
When handling chemicals, the correct gloves should be used to protect you from accidental spills or contamination. If the gloves become contaminated, they should be removed and discarded as soon as possible. No glove can protect you from all chemicals, so be sure you check the MSDS for the recommended glove or check the glove compatibility guide referenced in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. If the MSDS doesn't provide enough guidance, other internet sites are available that give additional information, or you can check with a glove manufacturer for their recommendation.
-
Selection of Gloves
For concentrated acids and alkalis, and organic solvents, natural rubber, neoprene or nitrile gloves are recommended. For handling hot objects, gloves made of heat-resistant materials (leather or Nomex) should be available and kept in the vicinity of hot objects. A hot object should never be picked up with rubber or plastic gloves. Special insulated gloves should be worn when handling very cold objects such as liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. DO NOT use asbestos containing gloves.
-
Inspection of Gloves
Before each use, gloves should be inspected for discoloration, punctures, and tears. Rubber and plastic gloves may be checked by inflating with air and submersing them in water to check for air bubbles.
-
Usage of Gloves
Gloves should always be rinsed with a compatible solvent, soap and water prior to handling other lab items so these items aren't contaminated with the chemical(s).
-
Cleaning of Gloves
Before removal, gloves should be thoroughly washed, either with tap water or soap and water.
-
Removal
You should remove your gloves before leaving the lab to prevent contamination of door knobs, light switches, etc. When gloves are removed, pull the cuff over the hand. Wash your hands after removing the gloves.
-
Lab coats should be worn for protection of your skin and clothing. The lab director or supervisor is the person, in most cases, who will recommend whether or not you need a lab coat. Lab coats should not be worn outside the laboratory as they may have chemicals on them.
-
Where infectious materials are present, such as in a biology lab, closed lab coats and gloves are essential.
-
Loose or torn clothing should be avoided unless wearing a lab coat over the top as it can knock things over, catch fire, get caught in machinery, or generally get in the way.
-
Dangling jewelry and excessively long hair pose the same type of safety hazard. Jewelry should be removed and long hair should be tied back.
-
Finger rings or other tight jewelry which are not easily removed should be avoided because of the danger of corrosive or irritating liquids getting underneath the piece and producing irritation. If you are working with heat, the metal conducts heat and can cause burns. Chemicals can also ruin your jewelry. Jewelry can also get caught in machinery.
-
Shoes must be worn at all times in the laboratories. Sandals and open-toed shoes cannot be worn because of the danger of spillage of corrosive or irritating chemicals or because of the danger of dropping heavy tools or equipment.
-
Shorts are not allowed in the lab. You must wear long pants that cover all of your legs.
-
Consult the MSDS for the chemical(s) you are using to find out the recommended clothing or PPE for a particular chemical.
|
