Proper personal attire worn in the laboratory and/or animal care facility MUST provide full coverage of the legs, feet, and torso REGARDLESS of outdoor weather conditions.
As warmer summer weather approaches, please review the following reminders with your staff – including any students – who may be involved with research.
Reminders for Proper Personal Attire –
- Shirts or tops must cover the upper torso. Short-sleeve T-shirts are acceptable AS LONG AS a gown or laboratory coat is also donned based on your facility’s entry procedures.
- Note: laboratory coats should NOT be worn in animal housing rooms.
- Shorts, skirts, or pants/capris that leave any part of the leg exposed are NOT permitted.
- Shoes must completely cover the feet. Shoes with holes (including sandals, ballet flats, open toe, open weave) are NOT allowed.
Guidance for Laboratory Coats –
Laboratory coats MUST be…
- Worn when handling chemical, biological, or radiological materials. This requirement also applies to work at a laboratory bench and/or with equipment where such materials are handled.
- Kept in good condition and cleaned whenever they become dirty due to spillage or other contamination.
- Laundered by a commercial company (i.e., Cintas, Sohn Linen) specifically equipped to handle laboratory coats.
Additional Resources
- Download the U-M Chemical Hygiene Plan (available via PDF) for a complete list of proper laboratory attire.
- Visit the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) website and download the EHS Animal Handler PPE Chart (also available via PDF) for minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements when working with specific animal species and performing certain work-related tasks.
- Regularly review – and be familiar with – the EHS Safety Findings for any protocol(s) where you are assigned as an Animal Handler.
- Refer to all posted signage (see sample room entry sign at right) for specific room entry instructions and appropriate donning/doffing procedures for required PPE.
Questions?
Questions about proper laboratory attire, PPE, or other environmental health and safety concerns should be directed to EHS at [email protected].
Thank you for doing YOUR part to stay compliant, safe, and cool this summer!