Personal Protection in Teaching Laboratories

Eye Protection

• Splash and impact protective goggles are required at all times in the laboratory.
• Do not rub your eyes during or after lab until you have thoroughly washed your hands.

Clothing, Hair, and Jewelry

• Wear shoes that completely cover your feet, such as walking shoes or sneakers, to protect your feet from debris or broken glass on the floor and from chemical spills.
• Wear long pants and shirts that cover from the neck to waist and from the shoulders to biceps to protect your body from chemical spills. Lab coats are also acceptable. Students are advised not to wear their best clothing in lab.
• Constrain long hair, neckties, and scarves to prevent contact with chemicals, fire, and equipment.
• Students are advised to remove jewelry to prevent trapping chemicals under the jewelry, contact with electrical sources, catching on equipment, and damage to the jewelry itself.

Gloves

• If gloves are required, check for holes and tears before each use. Remove gloves before leaving your work area to prevent contamination of other surfaces.
• Make sure the gloves used are appropriate for the purpose.
• Clean or dispose of gloves properly.

Food and Beverages

• Food and beverages are not permitted in the laboratory.
• Do not use tobacco products or chew gum in the laboratory.