LABORATORY PPE

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LABORATORY PPE

• January 7, 2008

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IntroductionWhat is PPE?

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes all
  types of equipment used to increase individual
  safety while performing potentially hazardous
  tasks. This may include safety glasses, hard
  hats, gloves, lab coats, respirators, or any
  equipment used to protect against injury or
  illness.

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OSHA Regulations Require

• Employers conduct hazard assessments to determine
  use of PPE
• Employers certify in writing hazard assessments
  conducted
• PPE selected on basis of hazard assessments and
  workers properly trained

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OSHA Regulations Require

• Defective PPE must not be used
• Employers provide PPE training to employees
• Employers certify in writing PPE training
  provided and understood by employees.

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PPE Training Requirements(29 CFR 1910.132(f)

• When PPE is necessary
• What PPE is necessary
• How to properly don, doff, adjust and wear PPE
• The limitations of the PPE and
• Proper care, maintenance, useful life and
  disposal of PPE.

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Eye Protection

• Eye protection is mandatory in all areas where
  there is a potential for injury.
• The type of eye protection required depends on
  the hazard. For most situations safety glasses
  with side shields are adequate.
• Goggles or face shields are required in specific
  operations where there is danger from splashes of
  corrosive liquids or flying particles.

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Eye Protection

• If a splash occurs proceed to nearest eyewash
  fountain and flush eyes with water from the eye
  outward for at least 15-30 minutes. A co-worker
  should notify the proper authorities.
• Recommended that contact lenses not be worn in
  laboratory.
• Visitors shall follow the same eye protection
  policy as employees.

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Clothing

• Lab coats should be worn at all times in the lab
  areas
• If infectious materials are present, snapped lab
  coats and gloves are essential
• Shoes must be worn at all times. No sandals or
  open-toed shoes allowed
• Consult MSDS for recommended clothing or PPE for
  particular chemicals.

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Following guidelines offered from a safety
standpoint

• Torn clothing should be avoided unless wearing a
  lab coat
• Dangling jewelry and excessively long hair pose
  safety hazards (ignition, absorption and
  entanglement)
• Rings or other jewelry not easily removed should
  be avoided
• Lab coats should not be worn outside the lab.

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ApronsRubber or Plastic?

• Plastic or rubber aprons may be supplied for
  handling large quantities of corrosive liquids in
  open containers
• Rubberized laboratory apron or chemical- and
  fire-resistant laboratory coat should be worn
  when conducting experiments
• Always wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing.

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Gloves

• Gloves protect workers from accidental spills or
  contamination
• Contaminated gloves should be removed and
  disposed of properly
• No glove exist that protects workers against all
  chemicals
• Proper glove selection is essential.

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Glove Selection

• Use rubber or neoprene gloves for concentrated
  acids, alkalis, organic solvents
• Use heat-resistant gloves for handling hot
  objects
• Special insulated gloves should be worn when
  handling very cold objects.

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Glove Inspection

• Before using inspect for discoloration,
  punctures, and tears
• Always rinse with a compatible solvent prior to
  handling wash bottles or other laboratory
  fixtures
• Before removal rinse gloves thoroughly
• Remove gloves before leaving the immediate work
  site to prevent contamination
• Always remove by pulling the cuff over the hand.

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Respirators

• Respirator use should be avoided if possible
• Not required if proper engineering controls are
  being practiced (fume hoods, etc.)
• If respirators are warranted, a respirator
  program must be established in accordance with 29
  CFR 1910.134.

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Questions

• Talk with your immediate supervisor regarding
  questions on any material in this presentation
  or
• Contact the Office of Risk Management
  Environmental Health Safety at 405-682-1611,
  ext. 7148 or email lvaughan_at_occc.edu.