Due to the potential for ignition, absorption, and entanglement in
machinery, loose or torn clothing should be avoided unless wearing a lab coat.
Dangling jewelry and excessively long hair pose the same type of safety
hazard.
Finger rings or other tight jewelry which is not easily removed should
be avoided because of the danger of corrosive or irritating liquids getting underneath the
piece and producing irritation.
Lab coats should be provided for protection and convenience.
They should be worn at all times in the lab areas. Due to the
possible absorption and accumulation of chemicals in the material, lab coats should not be
worn in the lunchroom or elsewhere outside the laboratory.
Where infectious materials are present, closed (snapped) lab coats and
gloves are essential.
Shoes shall be worn at all times in the laboratories. Sandals, open-toed
shoes, and shoes with woven uppers, shall not be worn because of the danger of spillage of
corrosive or irritating chemicals.
Care should be exercised in protective clothing selection; some
protective clothing has very limited resistance to selected chemicals or fire.
Consult the MSDS for a chemical to find out the recommended clothing or
PPE for a particular chemical. (Examples are latex, nitrile, or PVC gloves, or aprons.)
