With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to review the basics of proper personal attire in the laboratory with your staff – including any students –who may be involved with research.
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.
Specifically:
- Shoes must completely cover the feet. Shoes with holes (including sandals, ballet flats, open toe, open weave) are NOT permitted.
- Shorts, skirts, or pants/capris that leave any part of the leg exposed are NOT allowed.
- 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.
- Laboratory coats MUST be worn whenever chemical, biological, or radiological materials are handled, including work at a laboratory bench and/or when using equipment where such materials have been used.
- Laboratory coats MUST be laundered at a commercial facility (i.e., Cintas, Sohn Linen) and should be laundered whenever they become dirty due to spillage or other contamination.
- Laboratory coats should NOT be worn in animal housing rooms.
Where to Learn More
A complete list of proper laboratory attire can be found in the U-M’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (available via PDF download).
Information about the varying types of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) required for working with different animal species and/or hazards can be found on the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) website and in the EHS Animal Handler PPE Chart (PDF download).
Refer to signage posted on every animal housing room door (see sample room entry sign at right) for specific room entry instructions and appropriate PPE donning/doffing procedures.
You may also wish to review the recent Proper PPE: What’s In and What’s Out? article for additional information about PPE requirements in and around animal facilities.
Questions?
Questions about proper laboratory attire, PPE, and/or other environmental health and safety concerns should be directed to EHS at [email protected].
Thank you for doing YOUR part to ensure a safe work environment for all members of the U-M research community!