- Personal protective equipment (PPE) in addition to engineering controls and good work practices is necessary for minimizing laboratory hazards.
- These devices are viewed as less protective than other controls because they rely heavily on each lab personnel’s work practices and training to be effective. Engineering and administrative controls should always be considered first when reducing or eliminating exposure to hazardous materials.
- At a minimum, lab coats, gloves, protective eyewear, and closed shoes that cover the foot (front, back, and top) are required to be worn in Auburn University laboratories whenever handling hazardous substances. Additional or enhanced personal protective equipment, such as face shields, utility gloves, aprons, and respirators, may be necessary depending on risk assessment. Risk assessments include the evaluation of the hazard and work procedures.
- Lab supervisors and RMS can assist in determining the appropriate PPE based on risk assessment.
- Departments / PIs must provide appropriate personal protective equipment to employees.
The table below (adapted with permission from UCLA EHS) is a useful tool that provides examples of PPE used for different applications.
|
Applicable PPE |
Example |
Type/Characteristics |
Applications |
|
Light latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves
|
|
Disposable latex Powdered or un-powdered.
|
Working with biological hazards (human blood, body fluids, tissues, bloodborne pathogens, specimens), BSL1, BSL2. |
|
|
Disposable nitrile Puncture, abrasion resistant, protection from splash hazards.
|
Working with biological hazards and chemical splash hazards.
|
|
|
|
Disposable vinyl is Economical, durable, and similar to latex.
|
Working with biological hazards, BSL1, BSL2.
|
|
|
Light chemical-resistant gloves
|
|
Natural rubber latex Chemical resistant, liquid-proof.
|
Working with small volumes of corrosive liquids, organic solvents, and flammable compounds.
|
|
Light to heavy chemical-resistant gloves
|
|
Nitrile Chemical resistant, good puncture, cut, and abrasion resistance.
|
Using apparatus under pressure, air or water-reactive chemicals
|
|
Heavy chemical-resistant gloves
|
|
Butyl has High permeation resistance to most chemicals.
|
Working with large volumes of organic solvents; small to large volumes of dangerous solvents, and acutely toxic substances. |
|
|
Viton® II has High permeation resistance to most chemicals.
|
Same as butyl gloves, plus hazardous material spills.
|
|
|
|
Silver shield Extra chemical and mechanical protection.
|
Same as butyl and Viton II gloves, added mechanical protection, and hazardous material spills. |
|
|
Insulated gloves
|
|
Terrycloth autoclave Heat resistant.
|
Working with hot liquids and equipment, open flames, water baths, and oil baths. |
|
|
Cryogen is Water resistant or waterproof, protection against ultra-cold temperatures. |
Handling cryogenic liquids.
|
|
|
Wire mesh gloves
|
|
Wire mesh Cut resistant.
|
Working with live animals and exposed to potential cuts.
|
|
Chemical resistant aprons
|
|
Rubber-coated wash Chemical splash protection, good abrasion resistance.
|
Working with apparatus under pressure, air or water-reactive chemicals, and large volumes of corrosive liquids. |
|
|
Neoprene w/ sleeves Chemical resistant, tear-resistant.
|
Working with water or air reactive chemicals, large volumes of corrosive liquids, and small to large volumes of acutely toxic corrosives. |
|
|
|
Butyl/Silver shield w/ sleeves Extra chemical and mechanical protection.
|
Working with large volumes of organic solvents; small to large volumes of dangerous solvents, and acutely toxic or hazardous materials. Added mechanical protection, and hazardous material spills.
|
|
|
Lab coats
|
|
Knee length Protects skin and clothing from dirt, inks, and non-hazardous chemicals. |
General use; Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Physical Hazards.
|
|
|
Flame resistant (e.g., Nomex or flame-resistant cotton).
|
Working with water or air reactive chemicals, large volumes of organic solvents, and potentially explosive chemicals. |
|
|
Gowns
|
|
Disposable Protects skin and clothing from dirt, dyes, debris, or nonhazardous chemicals.
|
General use; Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Physical Hazards. Working with live animals.
|
|
|
Flame resistant disposable Flame resistant. Protects skin and clothing from dirt, dyes, debris, or non-hazardous chemicals.
|
Working with water or air reactive chemicals, large volumes of organic solvents, and potentially explosive chemicals. Working with live animals.
|
|
|
|
Tyvek High tear resistance, protection from particulates
|
Working with biohazards with the potential for exposure to airborne transmissible disease
|
|
|
Cap
|
|
Bouffant Protection for hygienic work environments; protection from dirt, and dust.
|
Working with biohazards, especially in animal facilities.
|
|
Footwear
|
|
Disposable shoe covers Protection for hygienic work environments; protection from dirt, and dust. Adjustable fit, non-skid.
|
Working with biohazards, especially in animal facilities.
|
|
|
Slip-resistant Slip-resistant sole.
|
Working in areas where liquids, and slippery conditions are present.
|
|
|
|
Slip resistant boot Slip resistant sole. High permeation resistance to wet conditions. |
Working in environments where large amounts of water are present (e.g., cage washing).
|
|
|
Safety glasses
|
|
Glasses Polycarbonate lens, side shields for eye protection. Meets ANSI and OSHA specifications. |
Working with chemical, biological, or physical hazards.
|
|
Safety Goggles
|
|
General Tight-fitting protects eyes from impact, spray, paint, chemicals, flying chips, dust particles, polycarbonate lens, and indirect ventilation, and meets ANSI and OSHA specifications.
|
Working with large volumes of corrosive liquids, and small to large volumes of acutely toxic corrosives. Working with large volumes of organic solvents, acutely toxic or hazardous chemicals, apparatus under pressure, and air or water reactive chemicals.
|
|
|
Laser / Radiological Shaded goggles; optical density based on beam and/or UV parameters.
|
Working with Class 3 or Class 4 lasers; UV radiation.
|
|
|
Shields
|
|
Face shield Chemical and/or UV-resistant face shield.
|
Working with mild acids, caustics, aromatic hydrocarbons, methylene chloride; splash hazard; air or water-reactive or potentially explosive chemicals; UV radiological hazards.
|
|
|
Safety shield Acrylic, weighted shield, three-sided, benchtop shield, frosted edges.
|
Working with a chemical splash, beta radiation, and exposure to Bloodborne pathogens.
|
|
|
Respirators
|
|
Surgical masks Protect against large droplets and splashes.
|
Working with live animals; working with infectious material in BSL 2-level labs.
|
|
|
N-95 Protects against dust, fumes, mists, and microorganisms.
|
Working with live animals or infectious materials with known airborne transmissible disease or dusty environments.
|
|
|
|
Half face Purifies air: protects against a variety of particulates, vapors, dust, mists, and fumes; depends on the filter cartridge used.
|
Working with live animals or infectious materials with known airborne transmissible disease; dusty environments; chemical vapors; particulates.
|
|
|
|
Full face Same as half-face, with greater protection factor; eye protection, mucous membranes, and face; depends on filter cartridge used.
|
Working with live animals or infectious materials with known airborne transmissible disease; dusty environments; chemical vapors; particulates.
|
|
|
|
PAPR Air supplying respirator; delivers a steady supply of filtered air with loose-fitting hoods.
|
Working in high containment labs or dusty environments; chemical vapors, particulates; used when full-face or half–face respirator doesn’t fit individual or presence of facial hair.
|
|
|
Earplugs
|
|
Disposable Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Polyurethane foam, one-time use design (no cleaning), one size fits all, lightweight, low cost, blocks all sound.
|
Working in areas where sound (dBa) average levels are over 85, RMS can assist in assessments.
|
|
|
Reusable Silicone, tapered fit, reusable (needs cleaning), corded or uncorded, lightweight, more durable than disposable.
|
Working in areas where sound (dBa) average levels are over 85, RMS can assist in assessments.
|
|
|
|
Hearing Band Earplugs are connected to a flexible band that can be worn around the neck when not needed.
|
Working in areas where sound (dBa) average levels are over 85, RMS can assist in assessments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
| View All Events |