Research Compliance and Tech Transfer

Chapter 10: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided without cost to personnel. Although not a substitute for the use of BSCs and good laboratory and administrative practices, PPE is considered a primary barrier to infectious agents. Proper use of PPE significantly reduces the likelihood of infection; however, it is the least-desirable exposure control method because its failure will result in direct exposure to the agent.

All PPE must be removed and left in the lab prior to exiting for non-laboratory areas (e.g., hallway).

PPE is most effective when used to supplement primary control methods such as BSCs, safety centrifuge cups, and other containment devices. Appropriate PPE and clothing also protect experiments from contamination.

Face Protection

At minimum, safety glasses are required when working in a UM laboratory. Eye protection should conform to the Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1, established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Goggles, masks, chin-length face shields, or other splatter guards are required for anticipated splashes, sprays, or splatters of infectious or other hazardous materials to the face. Wearing contact lenses is inappropriate in the laboratory setting because contacts may trap infectious agents against the surface of the eye and prevent effective purging by eye washing.

Laboratory Clothing

Laboratory coats, smocks, scrub suits, and gowns are considered proper laboratory clothing.

• Long-sleeved garments are used to minimize the contamination of skin or street clothes and to reduce shedding of microorganisms from the arms. 
• In circumstances where it is anticipated that splashes may occur, the garment must be resistant to liquid penetration to protect clothing from contamination. 
• If the garment is not disposable, it must be capable of withstanding sterilization (generally, autoclaving), should it become contaminated. 
• Protective clothing must be removed and left in the laboratory before leaving for non-laboratory areas. 
• Disposable clothing should be available for visitors, as well as maintenance and service workers. All protective clothing should be discarded in the laboratory, disinfected, and/or laundered by the facility. 
• Personnel must not launder laboratory clothing at home. If facilities/labs wish to have laboratory clothing laundered at a commercial laundry facility the laboratory clothing must be autoclaved prior to laundering.

Gloves

Gloves must be selected according to the hazards involved and the activities to be conducted.

• Gloves must be worn when working in a UM laboratory. 
• Always wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves. 
  
  Gloves must be removed using proper technique to avoid exposing the researcher and must be disposed of in biohazardous waste when:
  • contaminated
  • compromised/torn,
  • work with infectious materials is completed

• Temperature-resistant gloves must be worn when handling extreme hot or cold materials which include dry ice, liquid nitrogen or materials being removed from cryogenic storage
• When working with hazardous materials, the glove should overlap the lower sleeve and cuff of the laboratory garment. A long-sleeved glove or disposable arm-shield may be worn for further protection of the garment.
• In some instances, double gloving may be appropriate. If a spill occurs, hands will be protected after the contaminated outer gloves are
• Disposable gloves must not be washed or
• Protection from contact with toxic or corrosive chemicals may also be required. For assistance in glove selection, call

Respirators

Respirators are selected based on the hazard involved and the protection factor required. Certain laboratory and clinical situations require respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of infectious agents.

Regulations, as well as University Environmental Health & Safety required practices, require that personnel be medically evaluated, specifically trained, and fit- tested prior to wearing respiratory protective equipment.

Contact EHS if respiratory protective equipment is required or if there are questions about the Respiratory Protection Program.

Footwear and Proper Clothing

Open-toed shoes or sandals are not allowed in the lab. In addition, wearing shorts or other clothing that exposes the lower legs is not allowed.

Personal Protection Equipment