1. LABORATORY PPE January 7, 2008

2. Introduction What is PPE? Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes all types of equipment used to increase individual safety while performing potentially hazardous tasks. This may include safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, lab coats, respirators, or any equipment used to protect against injury or illness.

3. OSHA Regulations Require: Employers conduct hazard assessments to determine use of PPE; Employers certify in writing hazard assessments conducted; PPE selected on basis of hazard assessments and workers properly trained;

4. OSHA Regulations Require: Defective PPE must not be used; Employers provide PPE training to employees; Employers certify in writing PPE training provided and understood by employees.

5. PPE Training Requirements (29 CFR 1910.132(f) When PPE is necessary; What PPE is necessary How to properly don, doff, adjust and wear PPE; The limitations of the PPE; and Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of PPE.

6. Eye Protection Eye protection is mandatory in all areas where there is a potential for injury. The type of eye protection required depends on the hazard. For most situations safety glasses with side shields are adequate. Goggles or face shields are required in specific operations where there is danger from splashes of corrosive liquids or flying particles.

7. Eye Protection If a splash occurs proceed to nearest eyewash fountain and flush eyes with water from the eye outward for at least 15- 30 minutes. A co-worker should notify the proper authorities. Recommended that contact lenses not be worn in laboratory. Visitors shall follow the same eye protection policy as employees.

8. Clothing Lab coats should be worn at all times in the lab areas; If infectious materials are present, snapped lab coats and gloves are essential; Shoes must be worn at all times. No sandals or open-toed shoes allowed; Consult MSDS for recommended clothing or PPE for particular chemicals.

9. Following guidelines offered from a safety standpoint: Torn clothing should be avoided unless wearing a lab coat; Dangling jewelry and excessively long hair pose safety hazards (ignition, absorption and entanglement); Rings or other jewelry not easily removed should be avoided; Lab coats should not be worn outside the lab.

10. Aprons—Rubber or Plastic? Plastic or rubber aprons may be supplied for handling large quantities of corrosive liquids in open containers; Rubberized laboratory apron or chemical- and fire-resistant laboratory coat should be worn when conducting experiments; Always wear long-sleeved and long- legged clothing.

11. Gloves Gloves protect workers from accidental spills or contamination; Contaminated gloves should be removed and disposed of properly; No glove exist that protects workers against all chemicals; Proper glove selection is essential.

12. Glove Selection Use rubber or neoprene gloves for concentrated acids, alkalis, organic solvents; Use heat-resistant gloves for handling hot objects; Special insulated gloves should be worn when handling very cold objects.

13. Glove Inspection Before using inspect for discoloration, punctures, and tears; Always rinse with a compatible solvent prior to handling wash bottles or other laboratory fixtures; Before removal rinse gloves thoroughly; Remove gloves before leaving the immediate work site to prevent contamination; Always remove by pulling the cuff over the hand.

14. Respirators Respirator use should be avoided if possible; Not required if proper engineering controls are being practiced (fume hoods, etc.); If respirators are warranted, a respirator program must be established in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134.

15. Questions Talk with your immediate supervisor regarding questions on any material in this presentation; or Contact the Office of Risk Management & Environmental Health & Safety at 405- 682-1611, ext. 7148 or email lvaughan@occc.edu.