Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps protect laboratory personnel from chemical, biological, physical, and other workplace hazards. PPE is an important part of laboratory safety, but it should always be used together with engineering controls (such as fume hoods) and safe work practices—not as a substitute for them.
Minimum Laboratory Attire
Anyone entering a teaching or research laboratory must wear:
- Long pants (or equivalent leg covering)
- Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes
- Clothing that provides adequate coverage for the task being performed
Additional PPE is required based on the hazards and activities in each laboratory.
Visitors: Anyone entering a laboratory must meet the minimum dress requirements and wear any additional PPE required for the area being visited.
Choosing the Right PPE
The Department uses the Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)to identify laboratory hazards and determine the appropriate PPE for each work area. Always review your laboratory's hazard assessment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and consult your Principal Investigator (PI), laboratory supervisor, or Safety Coordinator if you are unsure what protection is required.
Common Types of PPE
| Hazard | Typical PPE |
|---|---|
| Chemical and biological hazards | Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, laboratory coat, chemical-resistant apron, face shield (when appropriate) |
| Physical hazards | Cryogenic gloves, thermal gloves, cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection, blast shield |
| Laser hazards | Laser safety eyewear with the appropriate wavelength and optical density, electrical isolation mat |
Note: No single glove material protects against every chemical. Nitrile gloves are commonly used but are not appropriate for all chemicals. Always consult the glove compatibility guide before selecting gloves.
Before Beginning Work
Before starting any laboratory activity, ask yourself:
- Am I wearing the required PPE?
- Is my PPE appropriate for the hazards of this task?
- Is my PPE in good condition?
- Do I know how to remove contaminated PPE safely?
- Do I know where additional PPE is located if needed?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, stop and consult your PI, supervisor, or the Safety Coordinator before proceeding.
Additional Resources
- Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)
- Glove Permeation and Chemical Compatibility Guide
- EHS Safety Supply Request
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
If you need assistance selecting appropriate PPE or purchasing laboratory safety equipment, contact the Safety Coordinator or submit an EHS Safety Supply Request.
