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Selecting the right PPE to sufficiently reduce exposure to hazards is essential to laboratory safety. The purpose of this section is to provide resources allowing researchers to identify and classify various types of PPE so the appropriate safety precautions are taken when conducting research. For the purpose of this site, PPE will be classified into categories: eye and face protection, hand protection, body protection, respiratory protection, and hearing protection. Each category includes its own corresponding safety equipment that will be described below. Eye and Face Protection Eye protection is achieved by wearing eyewear specifically designed to reduce the risk of exposure to chemical splashes, laser radiation, and/or flying debris. There are four primary types of eye protection — of which each has its own limitations — including general safety glasses, laser safety glasses, chemical splash goggles and impact goggles. Full face protection is achieved by wearing face shields.
Hand Protection Appropriate selection of gloves is essential to protecting hands. Chemically protective gloves are one of the most important tools to minimize dermal exposures to chemicals in research laboratories. Gloves should only be used under the specific conditions for which they are designed, as no glove is impervious to all chemicals. It is also important to note that gloves degrade over time, so they should be replaced as necessary to ensure adequate protection. Laboratory personnel should use the information below, and manufacturer compatibility charts (found under useful resources in the above right menu), to choose the type and style of glove.
Body Protection Lab coats are required for all wet labs. Cotton or cotton/poly blends are sufficient for labs without risk of fire. Nomex coats are required for work with pyrophorics, flammable liquids in quantities of more than 4 liters, or when work involves flammable liquids and an ignition source such as a burner. Barrier coats must be worn when working with infectious materials. Barrier coats can be autoclaved by placing the coats in a pan and placing an additional pan of water in the autoclave.
Respiratory Protection Program Procedures Respiratory protective equipment is only used as a "last line of defense," and as a result, requires individual assessment and training by EH&S personnel. Proper fitting and use is key to respirator efficacy, so EH&S requires all individuals who believe one or more of their job tasks require respiratory protective equipment to contact EH&S. The following steps will be taken:
Hearing Protection All laboratory personnel shall contact EH&S to request noise monitoring in their laboratory settings to perform noise monitoring and advise on the specific use of hearing protectors. Laboratory workers whose eight-hour time-weighted average noise exposure exceeds the 85 dBA Action Level will be enrolled in the UC Merced Hearing Conservation Program. These individuals will receive annual audiometric testing, will have hearing protectors made available to them by their supervisors, and will be provided training on the fitting, use and care of these devices. Monitoring results for individuals whose noise exposure exceed the Action Level will also be notified in writing using Attachment B — Noise Monitoring — Dosimetry Results.
Which of the following would not be considered a personal occupational exposure?Which of the following would not be considered a personal occupational exposure to biohazards? Contact of a lab coat sleeve with biohazardous material inside the biosafety cabinet.
Which answer best describes PPE on the hierarchy of controls to protect workers quizlet?Which answer best describes PPE on the hierarchy of controls to protect workers? PPE is considered the last line of defense to protect researchers on the hierarchy of controls.
What is the best recommendation to provide staff who have breaks in their skin but must work with biohazards?What is the best recommendation to provide staff who have breaks in their skin, but must work with biohazards? Staff should not work with biohazards when they have breaks in their skin.
When should a gown be worn?A surgical gown is a personal protective garment intended to be worn by health care personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the patient and health care personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate matter.
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