10 Common PPE Mistakes

Jul 12, 2017

10 Common PPE Mistakes



Not wearing lab coats
There are  a lot of important reasons why a lab coat is essential in any type of laboratory work. It does not only protect your clothes and skin, but also prevents spread of contamination from the laboratory.




Wearing lab coats outside the lab
While it is good that you are using a lab coat, remember to take it off before leaving laboratory premises.




Wearing the wrong type of lab coat
Lab coats can come in several varieties, so make sure you are wearing one suitable for your needs.




Not wearing gloves
Use gloves whenever handling harmful chemicals and biological agents.




Reusing disposable gloves
These gloves are called disposable for a reason. If you get acrylamide or any other dangerous chemical onto your gloves, dispose them and get a fresh pair.




Not taking off gloves when moving between areas
In a typical lab set up, equipment may be located in different rooms and even in different floors. If you need to move between areas during an experiment, take a spare pair (or two) of gloves with you in your lab coat pocket and remove one of your gloves to allow you to open doors without contaminating them.




Misusing insulated gloves
Insulated gloves may protect you from cold but it does not necessarily protect you from liquid nitrogen itself. Don't allow any to pour over your hands when removing trays, or you will end up with burns.




Not wearing safety glasses
When doing experiments with risks of spillage or splashing of hazardous reagents, make sure to wear safety glasses.




Wearing safety glasses instead of visors
Safety glasses are not sufficient especially when protecting yourself against UV exposure. Make sure you know when glasses are sufficient and when full visors are required.




Incorrect clothing
Your clothes also play a role in your safety.For instance, do not wear open-toed shoes or high heels inside the lab as they impose greater accident risks.