Personal Protective Equipment PPE for UCLA Research Laboratories

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for UCLA
Research Laboratories

• An Online Tutorial
• January 2009

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Protecting Yourself from Laboratory Hazards
This tutorial is designed to introduce you to the
personal protective equipment required for safe
laboratory use at UCLA.
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Protecting Yourself from Laboratory Hazards
Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is
actually the last line of defense when protecting
yourself in the laboratory. Your department will
first engage engineering or administrative
controls to reduce or eliminate hazards.
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Engineering Controls The Preferred Method

• Engineering Controls are built into an operation
  and require no activation from the employee.
• Examples include self-capping syringe needles,
  ventilation systems, fume hoods and substitution
  to a less hazardous process or chemical.

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Administrative Controls Second Line of Defense

• Administrative Controls are changes in work
  practices and procedures implemented to reduce
  exposure.
• Less effective method used when engineering
  controls are not feasible.
• Examples include written operating procedures,
  training and limiting exposure times.

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The Facts about PPE

• PPE is defined as a device or clothing worn by a
  worker to help prevent direct exposure to
  hazards.
• PPE is the least preferred method of protection,
  and should be used following engineering and
  administrative controls methods.
• Examples include gloves, lab coat and safety
  glasses.

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Basic, but Important Information

• Always wear a lab coat in the laboratory.
• Do not wearing tank-tops and shorts inside a lab.
  
• Tie back or secure long hair and loose clothing.
  Keep beards trimmed.
• Wear shoes that protect or cover your feet. Do
  not wear flip-flops, sandals or perforated shoes.

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Minimum Lab PPE Requirements

• Protective eye wear
• Lab coat
• Long pants
• Close-toed shoes
• Chemical resistant gloves (when working with
  hazardous substances)

Other PPE may also be required, depending on the
operation.
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Facts about Safety Eyewear

• Goggles protect against dust or splash hazards.
• Safety glasses are designed for impact protection
  from flying particles and debris.
• Face shield offers impact and splash protection
  to the face (wear with, not in place of, safety
  glasses or goggles).
• When working with lasers or UV light, specialty
  eyewear may be necessary.
• Make sure the eyewear has the proper attenuation
  factor and filters radiation to an acceptable
  level.

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Appropriate Gloves Chemical Compatibility

• Three important properties determine the type of
  chemical-resistant gloves worn
• Chemical degradation Some chemicals cause
  gloves to deteriorate, rendering them useless.
  For example, most organic solvents will dissolve
  latex rubber.
• Permeation rate The rate at which a specific
  chemical diffuses through glove material.
• Breakthrough time - The amount of time required
  for a given chemical to penetrate through a
  glove.

Did you know that thicker gloves may increase
breakthrough times, but may have little effect on
permeation or degradation? Choose your gloves
carefully.

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Example of Glove Selection Chart from Glove
Manufacturers
Selection Key
As you can see on this chart, not all gloves are
created equal. Use care when selecting the
appropriate gloves for your work.
 
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Select PPE to Protect Your Skin

• Choose PPE to protect against the specific agent
  you are working with.
• Cover any portion of the skin that is likely to
  be exposed
• Examples include lab coats, aprons, sleeves,
  coveralls, head coverings, or protective footwear.

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Protect Against Inhalation Hazards

• The use of a respirator may be necessary to
  protect against vapors and chemical particulates.
  
• The keys to effective respirator use are proper
  fit and the selection of the appropriate

Did you know that anyone using a respirator
(including N95 dust masks) must first receive a
medical evaluation, approval, and training, which
is available through Environment, Health and
Safety?
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Protect Your Hearing

• Earplugs, muffs, canal caps and noise reduction
  helmets can be used to reduce the level of noise
  exposure.
• Contact your EHS laboratory safety officer for a
  noise evaluation.

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Once You Have it, Take Care of it PPE
Maintenance

• Always inspect PPE for damage (tears, holes, worn
  elastic, etc.) and contamination prior to use.
• If an item cannot be properly cleaned or becomes
  damaged it should be discarded. When in doubt,
  throw it out.
• Reusable PPE should be immediately cleaned after
  each use with the appropriate cleanser (usually
  soap and water).

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Contamination Control

• Disposable items should only be used once and
  replaced when contaminated.
• Always assume PPE is contaminated it is worn to
  protect against hazardous substances.
• Remove PPE prior to exiting the lab to help
  prevent the spread of contamination.
• Be sure you know the proper methods for putting
  on, taking off and fit-checking any PPE worn.

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Avoid Contamination A Few Tips

• Wash your hands after working in the lab.
• Do NOT eat or drink in the lab, or store any food
  items in the lab area.
• Do NOT apply cosmetics in the lab.

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Prevent Damage Store PPE Properly

• Separate from chemicals and other contaminants.
• Store away from sources of heat
• Do not store under heavy objects
• Be aware that some equipment may have a limited
  shelf life.

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Remember the Limitations of PPE

• No single PPE will protect you from all hazards.
• Consider permeation rates, compatibility and
  degradation for the chemicals you are working
  with.
• PPE may limit your dexterity, vision, grip
  strength, or comfort. Plan your work accordingly.

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When Choosing PPE

• What engineering or administrative controls can
  be used instead?
• What are the hazards you are trying to protect
  against?
• What is the compatibility and resistance to
  chemical damage?
• Does it fit? Is it comfortable?
• Is it durable?
• Does it allow for dexterity and range of motion?
• Does the PPE meet any applicable standards?
• Would the PPE inhibit your normal work tasks?
• Would wearing the PPE cause other hazards?

Remember PPE is intended to reduce, not
eliminate, exposure!
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For information regarding PPE selection, use or
maintenance, please contact Environment, Health
and Safety at [phone].