Chemical Management

6. Personal protective equipment in science rooms and laboratories

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be appropriate to the experiment or task being done. It must be informed by the product SDS of the chemicals and materials being used. Typical PPE in science and chemistry labs includes, but is not limited to the following.

Eye protection

• Safety glasses meeting AS/NZS 1337.1
• Goggles for splash-risk experiments (acids, bases, heating liquids)

Protective clothing

Nylon and other synthetic fibres are discouraged due to poor heat and chemical resistance. They can also hold static which may be a hazard when working with flammable materials. Quick-release fastenings are preferred to enable quick removal in case of emergency. Protective clothing should allow free movement and not be oversized as excess fabric can catch on equipment. Protective clothing can include but is not limited to:

• Lab coats
  • Poly–cotton blend (65/35)
    • Good for chemistry and biology
    • Protects clothing, light splash protection
  • Flame-retardant cotton
    • Preferred when using Bunsen burners regularly
    • Safer around heat sources
• Chemical resistant aprons
  • Frontal protection only
    • Available in various materials (including PVC, neoprene)
    • Consult manufacturers for specific protective properties
• Gowns
  • Rear-fastening – used in microbiological settings
• Long sleeves and long pants
• Enclosed, flat footwear (no sandals or mesh shoes)

Hand protection

Gloves should be provided in various sizes to assist the wearer with dexterity.

• Disposable nitrile gloves are chemical resistant and are latex free. Ensure nitrile gloves are chemical-appropriate (refer to safety data sheet (SDS)). They can be used for:
  • handling corrosive substances
  • Working with dyes, indicators, biological specimens.
• Heat-resistant gloves used for handling hot glassware or equipment.

Laundering and care of lab coats

• Handle contaminated garments with gloves
• Avoid domestic laundering for chemically exposed garments
• To avoid cross contamination, do not wash with other types of laundry
• Use hot water decontamination by washing at 65°C for 10 minutes or 71°C for 3 minutes (recommended). Domestic machines are generally inadequate, or
• Chemical disinfection using quaternary ammonium compounds
• Dry completely before storage or next use
• Inspect after each wash for damage such as holes, tears, missing snaps, fraying cuffs
• Replace coats that are thinning, damaged, are excessively stained with chemicals or cannot be cleaned safely
• Follow supplier’s care instructions

The life cycle of lab coats and replacement schedule will depend on:

• the type and quality of the material used to make the coat
• frequency of use
• what chemicals they are exposed to
• how and where they are stored
• the method and frequency of laundering.

Schools are recommended to retain procurement records and supplier’s instructions for use and laundering. These records along with regular inspections of the coats can assist schools to determine when new lab coats may need to be purchased.