Laboratory Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Laboratory Clothing and Appearance

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to ensure no skin is showing from the neck down.
• Use closed-toe shoes and full socks that completely cover the foot and ankle.
• Tie back long hair and remove any loose jewelry or accessories before beginning work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Always wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety goggles or safety glasses; wear safety glasses over any corrective lenses.
• Use lab coats and gloves as required by the experiment or instructor.
• Check with the instructor regarding the specific policy on wearing contact lenses in the lab.
• Maintain all PPE until everyone in the laboratory has finished their work.

Glove Safety and Removal

• Never touch the exterior of a glove with bare hands; to remove, reach into the interior with a bare thumb and pull down via the gloved fingertips before discarding.
• Change gloves as often as needed to prevent chemical contamination on laboratory surfaces.

Prohibited Actions and Hygiene

• Do not wear gloves or lab coats into non-lab spaces.
• Never open doors with gloved hands.
• Avoid eating or drinking while wearing a lab coat or gloves to prevent chemical contamination.