Overview
This lecture covers the correct procedures for donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the laboratory, proper lab attire, and best practices to minimize contamination and exposure.
Donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing before starting.
- First, put on body protection (lab coat), ensuring it is clean and fully buttoned.
- Next, wear appropriate ANSI-certified eye protection (safety glasses, OTGs, splash goggles).
- Last, select gloves suitable for chemicals used; glove cuffs should cover lab coat cuffs.
- Always check gloves for tears before use.
Body Protection
- Use regular, fire-retardant lab coats, or splash aprons as required by experiment.
- Lab coats should fully cover from shoulders to wrists.
- Remove lab coats by touching only the inside surfaces; store on a rack, hanger, or inside-out in a sealed bag.
Eye Protection
- Use ANSI-certified safety glasses suited to specific hazards (UV, lasers, impact).
- For messy or hazardous work, wear both eye protection and a face shield.
- Remove eye protection using ear pieces or headband only.
Gloves and Hand Protection
- Select gloves using vendor compatibility charts for your materials.
- Never touch personal items or environmental surfaces with gloves on.
- Check gloves for leaks; double glove if work is especially messy.
- Change gloves if damaged, after spills, or once finished—never reuse disposables.
- Consider specialized gloves for heat, cold, chemicals, or sharps.
Proper Lab Attire
- Do not wear cloth tennis shoes, open footwear, shorts, skirts, or clothing with holes.
- Lab shoes must fully cover and protect feet and be liquid-repellent.
- No exposed skin from waist down is permitted.
- Never wear PPE outside the lab (e.g., hallways, elevators, classrooms).
- Always wear PPE if any lab hazards are present, even when not directly handling them.
Doffing PPE
- Remove gloves first by pinching palm and peeling off without touching skin; discard properly.
- Remove eye protection by holding the ear pieces or headband.
- Remove lab coat by touching only the inner surfaces; store safely.
- Always wash hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Donning — The process of putting on PPE.
- Doffing — The process of removing PPE.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) — Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards.
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute) — Organization setting safety standards for eye protection.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review proper donning/doffing technique for PPE.
- Ensure your lab coat, gloves, and eye protection meet your lab's safety requirements.
- Always wash hands before leaving the laboratory.