Environmental Health and Safety

SDSU Biosafety Manual

San Diego State University
BIOHAZARD CONTROL PROGRAM

Part XII:
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

A. EYE PROTECTION

B. LABORATORY CLOTHING

C. GLOVES

D. RESPIRATORS

A. EYE PROTECTION

EHS requires the use of safety glasses at all times in the laboratory. Goggles or safety glasses with solid side shields in combination with masks or chin-length face shields or other splatter guards are required for anticipated splashes, sprays or splatters of biohazardous materials. Application or removal of contact lenses is not permitted in the laboratory setting.

B. LABORATORY CLOTHING

EHS requires the use of laboratory gowns at all times in the laboratory. Laboratory clothing includes laboratory coats, smocks, scrub suits and gowns. Long-sleeved garments should be used to minimize the contamination of skin or street clothes. In circumstances where it is anticipated that splashes may occur, the garment must be resistant to liquid penetration to protect clothing from contamination. If the garment is not disposable, it must be capable of withstanding sterilization in the event it becomes contaminated. Protective clothing must be removed and left in the laboratory before leaving for non-laboratory areas. Disposables should be available for visitors and maintenance and service workers. All protective clothing should be either discarded in the laboratory or laundered by the facility. Personnel must not launder laboratory clothing at home.

C. GLOVES

Gloves must be selected based on the hazards involved and the activity to be conducted. Gloves must be worn when working with biohazards, toxics and other physically hazardous agents. Temperature resistant gloves must be worn when handling hot material or dry ice. Delicate work requiring a high degree of precision dictates the use of thin walled gloves. Protection from contact with toxic or corrosive chemicals may also be required. For assistance in glove selection, contact EHS at 619-594-2865.

When working with hazardous materials, the glove should overlap the lower sleeve and the cuff of the laboratory garment. A long sleeved glove or disposable arm-shield may be worn for further protection. In some instances double gloving may be appropriate. If a spill occurs, hands will be protected after the contaminated outer gloves are removed.

Gloves must be disposed of when contaminated, removed when work with biohazardous materials is completed and not worn outside the laboratory. Disposable gloves must not be washed or reused. Discard biohazardous gloves into red bags. Do not use powdered latex gloves if allergic to latex.

D. RESPIRATORS

In certain instances, additional respiratory protection may be required. Respirator selection is based on the hazard and the protection-factor required. Respirators must be selected and carefully fitted to the individual by EHS. Personnel who require respiratory protection must contact EHS at 619-594-2865 for assistance in selection of equipment, training in proper usage and enrollment in the SDSU Respiratory Protection Program.