February 12, 2024
Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.
- Basic protection for most laboratories includes gloves (specific to hazard present), safety glasses, shoes and proper shirts/pants.
- Closed-toed shoes are essential in a laboratory to protect yourself from chemical splashes or broken glass.
- Chemical splash goggles or face shields should be worn when there is a risk of splashing hazardous materials or flying particles.
- If respirators are to be used for protection against airborne contaminants, equipment listed and approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and NIOSH may be used if properly selected and fit-tested as part of a complete respiratory protection program.
- Any laboratory operation that exposes laboratory personnel to a significant noise source of 85 decibels or greater for an 8-hour average duration should utilize hearing protection in the form of plugs or muffs.