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Environmental Health & Safety Dept. 1156 High Street Santa Cruz, CA 95064 Phone: (831) 459-2553 Fax: (831) 459-3209 Email: ehs@ucsc.edu
Lab Research Safety
Additional Resources
Maintained by
ehs@ucsc.edu © 2009 UC Santa Cruz
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| Personal Protective Equipment Home All faculty, students, staff, and visitors must wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when in the laboratories. In addition to use of exposure control equipment, such as fume hoods, and following safe work practices, the correct selection and use of PPE is an essential element of safe work in the laboratory. No PPE will protect you from everything. You must carefully evaluate the features and hazard resistance of PPE before selecting that item for your lab. Once PPE has been selected for the lab, all personnel must be trained on the effectiveness and proper use of that equipment. Remember that PPE manufacturers regularly change and/or update their products, as well as the supporting information.
Eye protection is mandatory in all areas with potential for injury. This applies not only to persons who work continuously in these areas, but also to persons who may be in the area only temporarily, such as maintenance or clerical personnel. All eye protective equipment must comply with the requirements set forth in the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z 87.1-1968. Note that compliant eyewear will be labeled with "Z 87" on the frame.
***Emergency? Call 911*** If, despite all precautions, you experience a splash in the eye, proceed (with the assistance of a co-worker, if possible) to the nearest eyewash fountain and flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Flush from the eye outward. During this time, a co-worker should call 911 for assistance.
***No glove can protect you from all chemicals*** The following table provides more information on specific gloves, including links to chemical resistance charts. Note that the same type of glove (e.g., nitrile) produced by different manufacturers will have different chemical resistance properties. Always check the chemical resistance of the specific glove that you intend to use. Contact EH&S if you need assistance locating the chemical resistance information for a specific glove.
More Information Latex gloves are typically not recommended, as some people are allergic to latex. If you develop skin irritation or other concerns when wearing gloves, please contact EH&S. Click here for more information on gloves OSU's Chemical Guide and Permeation Tables Links to many glove chemical resistance guides (University of Florida) Inspection Before each use, gloves should be inspected for discoloration, punctures, and tears. Gloves may be checked by inflating with air and submersing them in water to check for air bubbles. Usage Gloves should always be rinsed with a compatible solvent, soap and water prior to handling wash bottles or other laboratory fixtures. Cleaning Before removal, reusable gloves should be thoroughly washed, either with tap water or soap and water. Removal Remove gloves before leaving the immediate work site to prevent contamination of door knobs, light switches, telephones, etc. When gloves are removed, pull the cuff over the hand.
The following guidelines for laboratory clothing are offered strictly from a safety standpoint.
Some operations in the laboratory, like washing glassware, require the handling of relatively large quantities of corrosive liquids in open containers. To protect clothing in such operations, plastic or rubber aprons may be supplied. A high-necked, calf- or ankle-length, rubberized laboratory apron or a long-sleeved, calf- or ankle-length, chemical- and fire-resistant laboratory coat should be worn any time laboratory manipulation or experimentation is being conducted. Always wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing; do not wear short-sleeved shirts, short trousers, or short skirts.
Respirator use should be avoided if at all possible, and is usually not required if adequate precautions are taken. Where possible, engineering controls (fume hoods, etc.) should be utilized to minimize exposure. If respirators are worn because OSHA PELs are being exceeded or other reasons, a respirator program must be established in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. Your Chemical Hygiene Officer should be consulted for additional information and guidance.
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Safety glasses
are required in most situations with potential eye hazards. A wide variety of
frames and lenses are available to fit different size/shape faces. In many
models, lenses can easily be replaced if they become scratched, and corrective
lenses can be ordered to fit the frames. Visit EH&S for more information on
safety glass options.
Although safety glasses
provide adequate eye protection for the majority of laboratory operations, they are not sufficient for operations
with substantial danger from chemical splashes or particulates. Examples include: washing glassware in chromic acid solution, grinding materials, or laboratory operations using glassware where there is significant hazard of explosion or breakage (i.e., in reduced or excess pressure or temperature).
Goggles that fit comfortably over prescription glasses are available.
Face
shields are required when there is need for protection of the entire face and throat.
Examples include: using/mixing strong caustics or acids, or reactions with
potential for explosion.
