Review the Basics of Proper Personal Attire in the Laboratory

As warmer weather approaches and new students descend upon campus for the summer, we ask that you take a moment to review the basics of proper personal attire in the laboratory with your staff (including students).
 
Regardless of outdoor weather conditions, personal attire worn in the laboratory and/or animal care facility should always provide full coverage of the legs, feet, and torso.

Specifically:

• Shirts or tops must cover the upper torso;
• Shorts, skirts, or pants/capris that leave any part of the leg exposed are NOT allowed;
• Shoes must completely cover the feet. Sandals, open toe, open weave, or shoes with holes are NOT allowed; and
• Pantyhose and/or nylons are also NOT recommended due to an increased risk of injury from chemicals or heat melting
  the nylon to the skin.

Although it may be tempting to forgo lab coats during the warm summer months, they are also an essential component of proper laboratory attire and must be worn at all times in order to provide maximum protection to the wearer.
 
Please refer to the U-M’s Chemical Hygiene Plan for a full list of proper laboratory attire.

Additional information about the specific level(s) of PPE required for working with different animal species and associated hazards can be found on the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) website and on the EHS Animal Handler PPE Chart. We also encourage you to download and post our Proper Personal Laboratory Attire Sign in your work area.
 
Remember, these guidelines are in place to ensure that a safe and secure research environment is maintained at all times, and in all circumstances, for our research personnel and for the animals under our care. We thank you for your attention and diligence to this matter.