While conducting laboratory work, individuals are exposed to many potential hazards. The most common of which are chemical hazards. The adverse health effects caused by chemicals can be minimized with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The following section pertains to the PPE which will be required while working in laboratories.
3.1 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Proper protective clothing must be worn at all times when handling potentially hazardous
chemicals. Exposed skin on arms, legs, and feet is particularly susceptible to injury by
the splashing of hot, corrosive, or flammable liquids.
Chemical resistant gloves are required when dispersing chemicals from containers. Latex
gloves provide adequate protection for most laboratory chemicals, however, latex gloves
will not provide protection from all chemicals. For example, special gloves are required
for handling liquid bromine and hydrofluoric acid. Contact the Environmental, Health &
Safety Office for the correct glove selection for the chemical which you are using.
Loose, long clothing should be secured and is not permitted when working near rotating
machinery or open flames. Long hair should be secured as short and as tightly as
possible when working near rotating machinery or open flames.
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3.2 SAFETY GLASSES
Splash resistant safety goggles of an approved type (ANSI Z87.1) must be
worn by all persons in laboratories using hazardous materials. Regular eyeglasses cannot
be substituted for approved eye wear and must be worn in conjunction with splash
resistant goggles.
Contact lenses are approved for use in the laboratory, however, if contact lenses are worn, they must be worn in conjunction with splash resistant goggles.
For laboratories where there is only an impact hazard to the eye and no possible exposure to hazardous materials, approved (ANSI Z87.1) impact resistant safety glasses can be substituted for splash resistant goggles. It will be at the discretion of the Department Chairperson to approve this substitution.
Approved Safety Goggles may be purchased at the University Bookstore.
It is imperative to enforce the requirement that all persons in laboratories to wear the required PPE while working with hazardous materials. If a student forgets to bring safety goggles to class, he/she must secure a pair before entering the laboratory. Individuals who repeatedly fail to wear the required PPE should be asked to leave the laboratory. |
Shorts, sleeveless garments, sandals and open-toed
shoes are 
